Creamy Chicken Pasta and Broccoli Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Pasta and Broccoli Bake—a one-dish wonder that combines tender chicken, perfectly al dente penne pasta, and nutritious broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, homemade cheese sauce. Topped with golden breadcrumbs and baked to bubbly perfection, this hearty casserole is ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Featuring a creamy blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, plus hints of garlic and optional red pepper flakes for extra depth, this recipe delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Ready in just an hour and serving up to six, it's a crowd-pleasing dish sure to satisfy your cravings while sneaking in some veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 300 grams Penne pasta
- 3 cups Broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves Minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
Boil a large pot of salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes for a firm texture. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly golden. Remove the chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and lightly sauté for 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with the remaining salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and the creamy cheese sauce. Mix well to coat evenly.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and an additional handful of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy chicken pasta and broccoli bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3527 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 143.7 g | 184% | |
| Saturated Fat | 65.7 g | 328% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 593 mg | 198% | |
| Sodium | 6542 mg | 284% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 322.6 g | 117% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.6 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.4 g | ||
| Protein | 245.2 g | 490% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2532 mg | 195% | |
| Iron | 21.0 mg | 117% | |
| Potassium | 2555 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
