This easy pasta bake combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a homemade cheese sauce for a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rigatoni or penne pasta | 2 cups |
| Cooked chicken breast, diced | 1½ cups |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Milk (whole or 2%) | 1¾ cups |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) | ¼ cup |
| Olive oil (if using breadcrumbs) | 1 tbsp |
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 6–7 minutes. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain everything well and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously until smooth. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the Cheese:
Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, diced chicken, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble the Bake:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. If you want a crunchy topping, toss the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Serve:
Let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—an instant family favorite.
