Ultra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

ByEthan Lark
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Introduction

This ultra lazy creamy chicken and broccoli pasta bake is an effortless, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheesy sauce, it’s sure to please the whole family. Plus, it comes together quickly with minimal fuss.

The dish is a baked pasta casserole in a white rectangular baking dish, filled with three main layers. The bottom layer is made of twisted rotini pasta cooked to a soft texture with some pieces slightly browned at the edges. The middle layer contains bright green broccoli florets that are tender and slightly roasted. The top layer has creamy melted cheese that is golden brown and bubbly in spots, covering the pasta and broccoli unevenly. A metal spoon is scooping a portion from the corner, showing the creamy sauce binding all ingredients together. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 400g / 14 oz chicken tenderloin (breast or thigh, cut into 1.5cm / 3/5″ pieces)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or other herbs/spices of choice)
  • 250g / 8 oz spiral pasta, uncooked
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth/stock, warmed
  • 2 cups milk, warmed (any fat %)
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsp / 30g unsalted butter (optional but recommended)
  • 1 large broccoli (or 2 medium broccoli or cauliflower, broken into small to medium florets)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or colby cheese (or tasty cheese, pizza mix, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C / 390°F (180°C fan-forced).
  2. Step 2: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and thyme. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Spread the uncooked pasta evenly in a 23 x 33cm / 9 x 13″ baking dish. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the pasta, avoiding clumps. Pour warmed milk and chicken broth over, then add the minced garlic and butter. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Layer the seasoned chicken pieces over the pasta mixture, then add the broccoli florets on top.
  5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes (or 20 minutes if the milk and broth were cold).
  6. Step 6: Remove the foil and stir the mixture thoroughly. Add most of the cheese and stir well again. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  7. Step 7: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Step 8: Let the bake stand for a few minutes before serving immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • Try using different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if you prefer. Just make sure cook times remain similar.
  • Substitute broccoli with cauliflower or a mix of both for a different flavor and texture.
  • Use a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella and parmesan to enhance the cheesy flavor.
  • For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese before baking.
  • If you like spice, add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A white baking dish filled with a baked pasta casserole showing three main layers: at the bottom, there are some pieces of cooked chicken with herbs mixed in, followed by spiral pasta in a light yellow color, and topped with bright green broccoli florets covered in a creamy white sauce with melted and browned cheese, giving a bubbly and slightly crispy texture. A metal serving spoon is scooping a portion from the dish, revealing a creamy inside with visible pasta and broccoli in the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken or broccoli?

Yes, but allow extra baking time and ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. Thaw frozen ingredients if possible for best results.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before baking?

No, the pasta cooks in the sauce during baking, saving time and reducing dishes to wash.

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Ultra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Ethan
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat
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Description

This Ultra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a simple, comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces, fresh broccoli florets, and al dente spiral pasta are baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce that requires minimal hands-on time. With easy steps and common ingredients, this recipe delivers a satisfying, cheesy bake without fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 400g (14 oz) chicken tenderloin, breast or thigh, cut into 1.5cm (3/5″) pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or other herbs/spices of choice)

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 250g (8 oz) spiral pasta, uncooked
  • 1 large broccoli or 2 medium broccoli or cauliflower heads, broken into small to medium florets

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup all purpose/plain flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth/stock, warmed
  • 2 cups milk (any fat %), warmed
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter (recommended but optional)

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups tightly packed shredded cheddar or colby cheese (or tasty cheese, pizza mix, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C fan-forced to ensure it’s ready for baking the pasta dish.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Toss to coat evenly to infuse flavor before baking.
  3. Assemble Pasta Base: Spread the uncooked spiral pasta evenly in a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13″) baking dish. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the pasta surface to prevent clumps, then pour over the warmed milk and chicken broth. Add minced garlic and unsalted butter, then stir gently to combine ingredients without displacing the pasta.
  4. Add Chicken and Broccoli: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces over the pasta and sauce mixture, then top with the broccoli florets, distributing them evenly.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes (or 20 minutes if the milk and broth are cold) to allow the chicken to cook and the pasta to soften.
  6. Stir and Add Cheese: Remove the foil, stir the mixture thoroughly to distribute the ingredients and sauce evenly. Add most of the shredded cheese, stir again well, then top with the remaining cheese for a golden crust.
  7. Bake Uncovered: Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce has thickened nicely.
  8. Rest and Serve: Let the pasta bake stand for a few minutes to set before serving immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute spiral pasta with other shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni; just ensure they are uncooked before baking.
  • Broccoli can be swapped for cauliflower or a mix of both florets depending on your preference or ingredient availability.
  • Use your preferred cheese blends such as tasty cheese or a pizza cheese mix to vary the flavor profile.
  • If the sauce is too runny after baking, a few extra minutes in the oven can help thicken it. Always ensure the milk and broth are warmed to aid even cooking and thickening.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken pasta bake, creamy pasta, broccoli pasta bake, easy dinner, baked pasta, cheesy chicken pasta

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