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In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can rival the satisfaction of a hearty pasta bake. The Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Delight Pasta Bake is a perfect blend of creamy textures, savory flavors, and nutritious ingredients. This dish marries tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a cozy weeknight or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe promises to impress both in presentation and taste.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Delight Pasta Bake. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce for a satisfying meal. Learn to prepare this hearty dish step-by-step, from cooking the pasta to creating a luscious sauce, and enjoy a culinary delight that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Customize it to suit your taste and make it a new family favorite!

Ingredients
  

2 cups uncooked penne pasta

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat oven and prepare pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the broccoli florets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.

        Make the creamy sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Add Italian seasoning and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

          Combine pasta and sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the creamy chicken and broccoli mix. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

            Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. If desired, add breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy topping.

              Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

                Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy chicken and broccoli pasta bake!

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6