Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

This creamy, cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is made with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and ready in 45 minutes. Pulling the golden, bubbling cheese crust from the oven makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. I always look forward to making this on chilly weeknights.

Why This Classic Works

For a long time, my pasta bakes ended up dry or the broccoli turned to mush. I finally learned that blanching the broccoli briefly keeps it crisp.

Using a homemade cheese sauce instead of canned soup completely changes the flavor. I highly recommend taking the extra five minutes to whisk up the roux.

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Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How To Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

1. Boil The Pasta: Cook the penne in salted water according to package directions, adding the broccoli florets during the last two minutes of boiling. Drain and set aside.
2. Make The Roux: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and minced garlic. Cook for one minute until lightly golden.
3. Create The Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until completely smooth. Simmer for five minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Melt The Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until completely melted.
5. Assemble The Bake: Combine the pasta, broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake To Finish: Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.

Recipe Tips

• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Boil the pasta for two minutes less than the package instructions so it stays firm in the oven.
• Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly and saves significant prep time.

What To Serve With Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

This rich pasta dish pairs nicely with a light, crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette. A slice of warm garlic bread is also great for scooping up any leftover cheese sauce from the plate.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze this bake for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight before reheating in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before mixing them into the pasta.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to two days before baking. Add ten minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

What other pasta shapes work best?

Any short pasta with ridges or holes works well. Fusilli, ziti, or macaroni are all excellent choices for holding the creamy sauce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
• Protein: 28 g

Try More Recipes:

• Chicken Sausage Zucchini Pasta Recipe
• Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe
• Olive Garden Chicken Carbonara Pasta Recipe