Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake (Print-Friendly Format)
Creamy pasta loaded with tender chicken, golden cheese, and crisp broccoli for satisfying, lighter comfort food.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
70–90 ml olive oil
02 -
450 g rotini or fusilli pasta
03 -
450 g chicken breast, diced and seasoned
04 -
1 large broccoli crown, cut into small florets
05 -
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
06 -
5 garlic cloves, minced
→ Sauce and Seasoning
07 -
3 tablespoons plain flour
08 -
240 ml chicken stock
09 -
1 can (355 ml) evaporated milk
10 -
160 ml half and half (start with 120 ml, add more if desired)
11 -
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
12 -
0.5 teaspoon salt, to taste
13 -
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
14 -
200 g grated cheese, divided (such as sharp cheddar and Colby Jack)
# How to Make It:
01 -
Set oven to 200°C and allow to fully preheat.
02 -
Heat 30–45 ml olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced seasoned chicken and sauté until fully cooked, turning once. Transfer chicken to a bowl and tent with foil.
03 -
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Add sliced onion and cook for approximately 4 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
04 -
Sprinkle flour over sautéed onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
05 -
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
06 -
Gradually pour chicken stock into the skillet, whisking to eliminate any lumps. Add evaporated milk, half and half, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring, until sauce simmers.
07 -
Add 100 g of grated cheese to the sauce, stirring until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
08 -
In a large casserole dish (approx. 23 x 33 cm), combine cooked pasta, broccoli florets, and cooked chicken. Toss to distribute evenly. Pour cheese sauce over and mix until all ingredients are coated.
09 -
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until heated through.
10 -
Remove casserole and evenly distribute remaining 100 g grated cheese over the top. Return to oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden.
# Additional Information:
01 -
For best results, cut broccoli into uniformly small florets so they cook through in the oven.
02 -
Rotisserie chicken may be substituted for convenience.
03 -
Allow casserole to rest a few minutes before serving for easier portioning.