Description
A comforting and delicious Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake that’s simple to make and packed with flavors, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. During the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the mixture thickens. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the cheese sauce. Toss until everything is well coated.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Notes
For a creamier sauce, add a splash of cream. Consider adding more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. A crunchy topping can be made with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, broccoli, bake, cheesy