Pasta Bake with Creamy Broccoli and Chicken
A Hearty, Tasty Classic: Pasta Bake with Creamy Broccoli and Chicken. The ideal combination of delicate chicken, nutrient-dense broccoli, and precisely cooked pasta with creamy, cheesy bliss. This filling and healthy meal combines rich tastes with a pleasant texture to create the perfect comfort food. The golden, bubbling cheese topping provides the ideal finishing touch, and the creamy sauce covers every bite. This Pasta Bake with Creamy Broccoli and Chicken is a tasty, filling, and crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone requesting seconds, whether it’s for a weekday family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients:
8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta
Two cups of cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
Two cups of frozen or fresh broccoli florets
One cup of half-and-half or heavy cream
One cup of cheddar cheese shreds (plus more for garnish)
Half a cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
Two minced garlic cloves
One teaspoon of onion powder
One teaspoon of Italian spice
To taste, add salt and pepper.
2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
Half a cup of bread crumbs, if desired for garnish
Directions:
Set the oven’s temperature to 175°C (350°F).
Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a big pot and cook pasta until al dente, following the directions on the package. In the final two minutes of cooking, add the broccoli. After draining, set away.
Make the sauce by heating butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the Italian seasoning, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer.
Combine Ingredients: In the skillet, add the cooked pasta, half of the Parmesan cheese, broccoli, shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is thoroughly mixed.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish that has been oiled. Top with more cheddar cheese and the leftover Parmesan cheese. For extra crunch, add breadcrumbs if using.
Bake: Put the dish in the oven that has been warmed and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and brown.
Before serving, allow it to cool for a few minutes. Savour your pasta bake with chicken and creamy broccoli!
To suit your taste, feel free to add additional spices or vegetables!