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- 2 cups rotini pasta - 1 pound chicken breast, diced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. I love using rotini pasta for its fun shape. It holds sauce well, giving you a tasty bite every time. Tender, diced chicken breast adds protein and makes it hearty. Fresh broccoli florets bring a nice crunch and a pop of color. Next, we have the cheeses. Cheddar and mozzarella mix together for a rich, gooey topping. Cream cheese adds creaminess to the dish. Chicken broth ties all the flavors together and keeps the pasta moist. The seasonings are simple but effective. Garlic powder and onion powder boost flavor without much fuss. Salt and pepper make everything pop. Finally, a sprinkle of paprika and fresh parsley makes it look great on your table. With these ingredients, you create something comforting and delicious. This dish works for busy nights and special occasions alike. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the dish cook evenly. - Cook the rotini pasta: Boil water in a pot. Add 2 cups of rotini pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, or firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Prepare the chicken: In a large skillet, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Cook it over medium heat. Stir until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. - Add broccoli to the skillet: Toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. - Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir until the mixture is smooth. - Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, the cream cheese mixture, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well coated. - Transfer to baking dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. - Baking time and temperature: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown on top. - Tips for checking doneness: You can use a fork to poke the dish. If the cheese is melted and hot, it is ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set a bit. To cook pasta perfectly, follow these steps: - Use a large pot with plenty of water. - Add a pinch of salt to the water before boiling. - Cook the rotini until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. - Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. To ensure chicken is tender and flavorful, follow these tips: - Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps it cook evenly. - Sear it in a hot skillet for a nice golden color. - Use garlic powder and onion powder for added flavor. - Cook until no pink remains in the center. For the best sides to serve with your pasta bake, consider: - A fresh green salad with a light dressing. - Garlic bread or rolls for a nice crunch. - Steamed vegetables to keep it healthy. For ideal garnishes, try: - A sprinkle of paprika for color. - Fresh parsley adds a nice touch and flavor. - Extra cheese on top for that cheesy goodness. To prepare ingredients in advance, here’s what you can do: - Chop the chicken and vegetables the night before. - Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. - Mix the cream cheese and chicken broth ahead of time. Using rotisserie chicken is another great tip: - It cuts down on cooking time. - Simply shred the chicken and mix it in. - This gives you more time to relax and enjoy your meal. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the rotini pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during the baking process. Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets offer a better texture and flavor compared to frozen; they retain their crunch in the bake. Mix Cheeses for Depth: Combining different types of cheese enhances the flavor profile; feel free to experiment with gouda or parmesan for added richness. Let it Rest: Allow the pasta bake to cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps the cheese set and makes for easier slicing. {{image_2}} You can switch out proteins easily. If you want a lighter option, try turkey. For a plant-based choice, tofu works great. Both options will add different flavors and textures. Choosing different vegetables can also change the dish. Try bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. These veggies add color and nutrients to your meal. You can mix and match based on what you have at home. To boost flavor, add spices like Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper. A splash of hot sauce can also give it a nice kick. If you love sauces, consider a drizzle of pesto or a spoonful of mustard. Cheese variations can add unique tastes. Instead of cheddar and mozzarella, try feta or gouda. Both cheeses melt well and bring their own special flavor to the dish. For gluten-free pasta choices, look for options made from rice or quinoa. There are many great brands that taste just as good. Make sure you cook them just right to avoid mushiness. Adjusting other ingredients is key for gluten sensitivity. Check your cream cheese and broth labels to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without worry. To keep your cheesy broccoli chicken pasta bake fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best, as they are sturdy and don’t stain. I recommend storing leftovers in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. You can freeze the pasta bake for later. Let it cool completely before freezing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. This helps to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 25-30 minutes. For easy reheating, portion out the pasta bake into single servings. This way, you can grab just what you need. If you plan to make it ahead of time, prepare the dish but wait to bake it. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time on busy nights! Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It will save time and is still healthy. Just add it to the skillet straight from the bag. Cook it for a few extra minutes until it is tender. How do I make it creamier? To make it creamier, add more cream cheese. You can mix in some sour cream or a splash of milk too. This adds extra richness and flavor. What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and a little tang. You can also use ricotta cheese for a different taste. Is this recipe kid-friendly? Yes, this recipe is very kid-friendly. It has chicken, cheese, and pasta, which kids usually love. You can even let them help mix the ingredients! How can I make it healthier? To make it healthier, use whole wheat pasta. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Reducing the cheese can cut calories too. Can I cook it in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook it in a slow cooker. Mix all the ingredients, then cook on low for about 4 hours. Make sure to add the cheese on top in the last 30 minutes. What if I want to double the recipe? If you want to double the recipe, use a larger baking dish. You might need to adjust the baking time too. Just check the cheese to see if it is bubbly and golden. This blog post detailed how to make a delicious pasta bake with simple ingredients and steps. You learned about each component, from cooking the pasta to baking the dish. I shared tips to ensure your chicken stays juicy and to serve your meal perfectly. Consider variations for different tastes and dietary needs. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly for easy meals later. With these easy instructions, you’ll create a dish everyone enjoys. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake

A delicious and creamy pasta bake featuring chicken, broccoli, and two types of cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rotini pasta
  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, cook the diced chicken over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth.
  • Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, cream cheese mixture, half of the cheddar, and half of the mozzarella in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well coated.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella on top of the pasta mixture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with paprika and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the cheese types to your preference.
Keyword bake, broccoli, cheesy, chicken, pasta