Go Back
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake5

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Dmitri Magi
Try my Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake! Hearty enough for the whole family, it's loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a delicious cheesy sauce. Easy to make and full of flavor, it's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Let’s make it step-by-step!
Calories: 580 | Protein: 39.9g | Carbs: 40g | Fat: 15g
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 580 kcal

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.