If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and protein-packed meal, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is the perfect recipe! It’s hearty enough to feed the whole family and packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a deliciously cheesy sauce. This dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Let me walk you through how to make it step-by-step.
Method
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Begin by preparing the pasta and broccoli, ensuring they are perfectly cooked and retain their vibrant colors and textures. Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 300g of your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Five minutes before the pasta is done, add the 100g of chopped broccoli florets directly into the pot. This allows the broccoli to cook just enough to become tender while maintaining its bright green color and slight crunch. After the cooking time, drain the pasta and broccoli using a colander and set them aside. This step ensures the pasta and broccoli are perfectly cooked and ready to absorb the rich, creamy sauce.
Cook the Chicken
While the pasta and broccoli are boiling, focus on preparing the chicken, which will add a hearty protein element to the dish. Start by seasoning 400g of chicken breast with 1 teaspoon of garlic granules, 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs, and 1 teaspoon of onion granules. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture to maximize flavor. Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium heat and add a light spray of oil to prevent sticking. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and have developed a nice golden-brown exterior. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C (165°F) to ensure it is safe to eat. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin, bite-sized pieces. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Make the Sauce
Now, turn your attention to creating the rich and creamy cheese sauce that will bind the pasta, chicken, and broccoli together. In the same frying pan used to cook the chicken, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté 1 diced onion and 2 crushed garlic cloves over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This forms the aromatic base of your sauce. Pour in 4 tablespoons of Elmlea light double cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add 100g of Philadelphia lightest cheese, stirring continuously to ensure it melts smoothly into the cream. Incorporate 70g of chopped sundried tomatoes, which add a burst of tangy sweetness to the sauce, and stir until everything is well combined. The cream and cheese mixture should thicken slightly, creating a velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Combine Everything
With the pasta, broccoli, and chicken prepared, it’s time to bring all the elements together. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce in the frying pan, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Next, fold in the sliced chicken pieces, making sure they are well distributed throughout the dish. Add a handful of fresh spinach to the pan, allowing it to wilt slightly and integrate into the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Continue to stir everything together over low heat for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the spinach to soften. This step ensures that each bite of pasta is infused with the rich, cheesy sauce and complemented by the tender chicken and vibrant broccoli.
Add the Topping and Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for the final baking stage. Transfer the combined pasta, chicken, and broccoli mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle 70g of grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese generously over the top of the pasta. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously golden, bubbly crust that adds both flavor and visual appeal to the dish. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is fully melted and has developed a beautiful golden-brown color. This baking process not only enhances the flavor but also gives the pasta bake a delightful texture that contrasts with the creamy sauce.
Serve
Once the Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. This cooling period makes it easier to serve and ensures that the sauce thickens slightly for a more cohesive dish. Scoop the creamy, cheesy pasta bake onto serving plates, ensuring each portion includes a generous mix of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta. For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or basil on top. Serve the pasta bake warm, accompanied by your favorite side dishes like a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the comforting and flavorful combination of ingredients that make this dish a family favorite!
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Frying pan or skillet
- Baking dish
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 400 g chicken breast
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp onion granules
- For the Sauce:
- 300 g pasta
- 100 g broccoli chopped into small florets
- 4 tbsp Elmlea light double cream
- 100 g Philadelphia lightest
- 1 diced onion
- 70 g sundried tomatoes chopped
- Handful of spinach
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- For Topping:
- 70 g reduced-fat cheddar grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli. Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken. Season the chicken breast with garlic granules, Italian herbs, and onion granules. Heat a frying pan with a spray of oil and cook the chicken until it has some color and is cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Sauce. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and fry the diced onion and crushed garlic until softened. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water, then stir in the Elmlea cream, Philadelphia, and Parmesan. Mix well until the sauce is smooth. Add the sundried tomatoes and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Combine Everything. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and spinach to the sauce. Stir everything together until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake. Sprinkle the grated cheddar evenly over the top of the pasta. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Step 6: Serve. Let the pasta bake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with your favorite side dish!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente so it holds up well when baked.
- Stir the Sauce Constantly: Keep stirring to ensure the cheese melts evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Bake Just Until Golden: Keep an eye on the bake to prevent the cheese topping from drying out or burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes on top for a bit of spice.
- Serve with roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus for extra color and flavor.
Fun Fact
Did you know broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse? It’s packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it not just delicious but also super healthy.
Conclusion
This Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake is everything you want in a cozy, satisfying meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with good-for-you ingredients like chicken and broccoli. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking! 🥦🍗🍝