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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

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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Find it online: https://theethankitchen.com/ultra-lazy-creamy-chicken-and-broccoli-pasta-bake-recipe/