Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe You Can’t Resist!

Photo byAngie Bright

When it comes to weeknight dinners that bring both comfort and flavor to the table, the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake shines as a go-to dish. It’s a wonderful blend of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy, cheesy goodness, all baked to perfection. This meal is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a favorite for busy families who want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Chicken and broccoli are a classic pairing, and when you add pasta and cheese to the mix, you’ve got a recipe that’s hard to beat. The creaminess of the mozzarella and cream cheese in this dish adds richness, while the broccoli brings a fresh bite to balance out the flavors. Each bite is filled with a comforting combination of well-seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and melted cheese, creating a cozy meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

What makes this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake even better is its flexibility. You can easily swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry—use a different type of cheese or toss in extra vegetables. Either way, it’s bound to turn out great. And the best part? It’s all baked in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cups dry small-shaped pasta (such as rotini or penne)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4–1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions:

1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. In the last two minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh broccoli florets. Once both are cooked and tender, drain and set them aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated with seasoning.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Sear the chicken until it’s browned on the outside but not fully cooked through.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, add the cubes of cream cheese. Stir the mixture continuously until the cream cheese melts into the broth, creating a smooth sauce. Gradually add 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and gently fold in the cooked pasta and broccoli, ensuring everything is well-coated in the sauce.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 20 minutes.
7. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle. Serve warm and enjoy!

The Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is not only a comforting dish but also a crowd-pleaser. Its cheesy, creamy sauce is perfectly balanced by the savory chicken and fresh broccoli, while the pasta absorbs all those delicious flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or for meal prepping, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

The Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. This bake features tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta, all enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce made from cream cheese and mozzarella. The dish is then baked until golden and bubbly, offering a perfect combination of creamy textures and savory flavors.

The preparation is quite simple. You start by cooking the pasta, adding the broccoli towards the end to ensure it's just tender. Meanwhile, the seasoned chicken is quickly seared, and then a smooth sauce is created with chicken broth, cream cheese, and mozzarella. The entire mixture is then combined in a baking dish, topped with more mozzarella and Parmesan, and baked until the cheese melts beautifully over the top.

For variations, you can swap out the chicken for another protein or even add extras like bacon or different veggies. This flexibility makes it a versatile recipe that can be adapted based on what you have on hand. The dish is not only great for family dinners but also perfect for meal prepping, as it holds up well for leftovers​Somewhat Simple​12 Tomatoes.

If you're interested in exploring this recipe further, some great sources include Somewhat Simple and 12 Tomatoes. These websites provide detailed instructions and tips for making the perfect pasta bake.