Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pasta Bake! Imagine a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb layer that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This recipe is not just a meal – it's a comfort food revolution that brings together the best flavors in one irresistible dish!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, steamed broccoli florets, and shredded chicken. Ensure the broccoli is blanched and slightly tender but still bright green.
- In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Gradually add 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and creates a smooth sauce.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta, chicken, and broccoli mixture. Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even coating. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil until they are lightly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Tips
- Prep Like a Pro: Ensure your ingredients are precooked and cooled slightly before mixing to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's smoothness.
- Blanch Broccoli Perfectly: Steam the broccoli just until bright green and slightly tender to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Breadcrumb Hack: Toast the breadcrumbs with olive oil for extra crunch and flavor before sprinkling on top.
- Don't Overbake: Watch the casserole closely in the last 5 minutes to prevent burning. The top should be golden brown and cheese bubbly.
- Resting is Key: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let the sauce set and make serving easier.
- Customize: Feel free to add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or swap chicken with turkey for variety.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate, just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 261kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 47mg
