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Homemade Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake recipe photo
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Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake

This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake is SO comforting! Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy pasta baked to golden perfection.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender but still crisp. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
  • To the skillet with broccoli, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add the cooked, shredded chicken and the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything gently until the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the creamy sauce and broccoli is evenly distributed.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. For an extra crispy crust, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken up and makes it easier to portion out. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Baking dish (9x13 inches)
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Notes

  • Be sure not to overcook the broccoli in the sauté step so it retains a nice texture after baking.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor—it melts and browns far better than pre-grated.