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- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded - 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil When I prepare this dish, I love using fresh ingredients. The pasta should be cooked al dente. It holds its shape better in the bake. Shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. I often use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease. Steamed broccoli gives a bright color and crunch. I prefer florets for even cooking. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese creates a creamy texture. Cream cheese adds richness and binds everything together. I season the mix with garlic powder and onion powder for depth. Italian seasoning brings warmth, while black pepper adds a slight kick. I always taste the mix before baking. Adjusting salt is key for balance. The breadcrumbs on top give a nice crunch. Mixing them with olive oil helps them brown. This adds a delightful texture to the dish. Always check for allergens when serving. This recipe contains dairy and gluten. It can be a hearty meal for families. Enjoy making this dish just as much as I do! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of cooked pasta, 1 cup of shredded chicken, and 2 cups of steamed broccoli. Stir gently to combine them well. 1. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of cream cheese and 1 cup of chicken broth until smooth. 2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and salt to taste. This mix adds great flavor. 3. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pasta, chicken, and broccoli. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. 4. Add half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix again to combine. 5. Transfer everything to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. 6. Top with the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. 7. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle this mix over the cheese for a crunchy topping. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for melted cheese and a golden brown top. 1. Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving. This makes it easier to dish out. 2. For serving, I suggest plating individual portions. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, adds color. You can also add extra cheese on top for fun! - To prepare broccoli correctly, cut it into small florets. Steam it for about 4-5 minutes. This gives a bright green color and keeps it tender yet crunchy. - For the best pasta, use penne or rotini. These shapes hold the sauce well. They also mix nicely with the chicken and broccoli. - Ensure even coating of all ingredients. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pasta and stir gently. This way, every bite is creamy and full of flavor. - For the perfect cheese melt, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. This combo gives a great stretch and rich taste. Add the cheese to the top layer for a golden crust. - Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This adds color and a fresh taste to your dish. - Serve in individual portions with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. This makes the dish look appealing and inviting. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb some of the sauce. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience and added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to mix in or substitute other vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor. Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Assemble it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients in this dish. If you want a different protein, try turkey or tofu. Both options work well and taste great. For those who need dairy-free cheese, use almond or coconut-based cheese. These substitutes keep the dish creamy and flavorful. To add a unique twist, try different spices or herbs. A pinch of paprika or crushed red pepper can bring heat. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. You might also add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. These will boost the nutrition and color too. Feel free to change the pasta shape. Shells, fusilli, or even spaghetti can work nicely. For a healthier option, use whole grain pasta. If you want to avoid gluten, try gluten-free pasta. Both options give you a tasty meal while fitting your needs. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta bake fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, allow the dish to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This helps to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave it for quick reheating. Just use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Add a splash of chicken broth if it looks dry. Enjoy the same great taste! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This saves time on busy nights. If you want a swap for cream cheese, use Greek yogurt or sour cream. Both give a creamy texture. You can also try ricotta cheese for a lighter option. Each choice alters the taste slightly but keeps it delicious. Yes, this dish works great for meal prep. You can portion it into containers. It stays tasty in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven when ready to eat. This makes lunch or dinner easy and quick. To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken. Replace it with more veggies or some beans for protein. You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more flavor. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. Yes, frozen broccoli is a great choice. It cooks quickly and saves prep time. Just steam it before adding to the dish. This ensures it blends well with the pasta and cheese. This dish is simple yet rich. We covered all the key ingredients and steps. Remember, choose pasta you love and cook the broccoli well. You can mix things up with different proteins and flavors too. Store leftovers wisely to enjoy later. With these tips, you’ll impress everyone with your cooking. Enjoy your creamy pasta bake!

Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake

A comforting and cheesy pasta bake loaded with chicken, broccoli, and two types of cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
  • Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pasta, chicken, and broccoli, and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
  • Add half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese and mix well.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  • In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle them over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
  • Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve the bake in individual portions topped with some fresh basil or parsley for color. A sprinkle of extra cheese on top before serving can elevate the dish further!
Keyword bake, broccoli, cheese, chicken, pasta