Introduction
This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta bake is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and spiral pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time. The use of tender chicken tenderloin ensures that every bite is juicy and flavorful, while the spiral pasta captures the creamy sauce beautifully.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
400g / 14 oz chicken tenderloin (raw), breast or thigh, cut into 1.5cm / 3/5″ pieces
Salt and pepper
1 tsp dried thyme (or other herbs and/or spices of choice)
250g / 8 oz spiral pasta, uncooked
1/4 cup flour (all purpose / plain)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth/stock, warmed
2 cups milk, warmed (any fat %)
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp / 30g unsalted butter, recommended but optional
1 large broccoli or 2 medium broccoli or cauliflower, broken into small to medium florets
1 1/2 cups (tightly packed) shredded cheddar or colby cheese (or tasty cheese, pizza mix etc)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
This recipe provides a convenient and delicious option for a weeknight dinner. With a little bit of preparation and straightforward cooking methods, you can enjoy a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C for fan-forced ovens).
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, sprinkle the cut chicken tenderloin pieces generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Toss the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Step 3: Arrange the Pasta
Spread the uncooked spiral pasta evenly in a 23 x 33 cm / 9 x 13″ baking dish.
Step 4: Add Flour
Sprinkle the flour evenly across the surface of the pasta. Avoid dumping it in a clump to ensure proper dissolving.
Step 5: Pour Liquids
Gently pour the warmed milk and chicken broth over the pasta.
Step 6: Incorporate Garlic and Butter
Add the minced garlic and unsalted butter (if using) into the dish. Stir the mixture to combine all ingredients.
Step 7: Layer the Chicken and Broccoli
Spread the seasoned chicken over the top of the pasta mixture. Then, add the small to medium broccoli florets evenly over the chicken.
Step 8: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes. If your milk and broth were cold, bake for an additional 5 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes.
Step 9: Uncover and Stir
After baking, carefully remove the foil and stir the dish well to combine the ingredients.
Step 10: Add Cheese
Add most of the shredded cheese to the baking dish and stir well again to combine. Reserve some cheese for topping.
Step 11: Final Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the dish. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce has thickened.
Step 12: Serve
Allow the dish to stand for a few minutes once emerged from the oven. Serve immediately.
Notes
Note 1: Pasta Choices
Spiral pasta is preferred for this recipe as it allows for even cooking and even mixing. If using penne, ziti, or macaroni, mix flour with a splash of milk in a separate bowl until smooth, then add the remaining milk before pouring into the baking dish.
Note 2: Broccoli Preparation
Cut the broccoli into small florets for thorough cooking. If you prefer a softer texture, break them into smaller pieces. For frozen broccoli, ensure it is thawed and excess moisture is removed to prevent excess liquid during baking.
Note 3: Cheese Options
Cheddar and colby are recommended, but any melting cheese works. Avoid using low-flavor cheeses like mozzarella for the bake, but it can be used as a topping.
Note 4: Troubleshooting Cooking Time
Oven strength can impact cooking times. If there are undercooked elements, leave it in longer. If the top becomes too brown, cover it with foil or another tray and continue baking.
Note 5: Cooking Method Insights
This method simplifies cooking compared to traditional roux or cheese sauce methods. The sauce may not be as silky but maintains great flavor, making it a convenient choice.
Note 6: Alternative Vegetables
For a simpler version, consider using canned tuna, frozen veggies, or baby spinach. Mix frozen vegetables in with the pasta and stir in tuna and spinach with the cheese.
Note 7: Freezing Leftovers
Freezing this dish is not ideal due to potential sauce separation upon reheating, although the flavor remains good. Refrigerated leftovers can be reheated without issue.
Note 8: Nutritional Information
The recipe is based on five servings, using chicken tenderloin, approximately 1.5 tbsp of butter, and one cup of shredded cheese.
Cook techniques
Seasoning Chicken
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried thyme generously over the chicken pieces. Toss to ensure even coating, which enhances the flavor during cooking.
Layering Pasta and Sauce
Spread uncooked pasta evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle flour over the pasta to help thicken the sauce during baking. Pour warmed milk and broth over the pasta evenly.
Mixing Ingredients
Add minced garlic and butter to the baking dish. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients before layering chicken and broccoli on top.
Baking and Cooking
Cover the baking dish with foil to trap steam and cook the ingredients evenly. Remove foil halfway through to allow the top to brown and the sauce to thicken.
Stirring for Consistency
After the initial baking time, remove the foil and stir the contents well to ensure the sauce coats the pasta and other ingredients evenly.
Cheese Melting Technique
Add most of the shredded cheese during the second baking phase, stirring it in for a creamy texture. Reserve some cheese for topping to create a golden, melted layer.
Adjusting Baking Time
Monitor the baking time closely, as oven strength can vary. If the dish appears undercooked or the top is browning too quickly, adjust by covering with foil and extending the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Allow the dish to stand for a few minutes after baking to let the sauce set before serving. This enhances the overall texture and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, while spiral pasta is recommended for better sauce coating, you can use other shapes. Just ensure to mix the flour with a small amount of milk before adding it to prevent clumping.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar and Colby cheese are ideal as they melt well. Other flavorful melting cheeses like a pizza mix can also be used. Avoid mozzarella for the main cheese in the dish.
How can I substitute vegetables?
You can use other vegetables like canned tuna or frozen vegetables. Just ensure any frozen vegetables are not too watery when thawed.
Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may split upon reheating, but the flavor remains excellent. Reheating from the fridge is perfectly fine.
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
Make sure to cover the dish while baking to trap heat. If necessary, check that the chicken is cooked thoroughly by cutting into it before serving.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken pasta bake is a fantastic method to combine tender pieces of chicken, spiraled pasta, and vibrant broccoli in a warm, cheesy sauce. It is not only convenient but also adaptable, offering an easy way to enjoy a hearty meal. The blend of flavors and textures makes it a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings.
More recipe suggestions and combinations
Vegetarian Version
Substitute chicken with canned chickpeas or cooked lentils and add a mix of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian option.
Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Bake
Incorporate fresh mushrooms and spinach in place of broccoli, along with a different cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a rich and creamy variation.
Mexican-Inspired Bake
Add in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes along with taco seasoning instead of thyme, topped with pepper jack cheese for a flavorful twist.
Seafood Pasta Bake
Use cooked shrimp or crab meat instead of chicken, and mix in some peas and dill for a seafood-inspired pasta dish.
One-Pan Pesto Chicken Bake
Incorporate pesto sauce and sundried tomatoes for an Italian flair. Replace the cheese with a blend of feta and parmesan for extra flavor.
Freezer-Friendly Bake
Prepare a double batch using any combination of proteins and vegetables you prefer, then freeze half before baking, making for a simple and quick meal option later.
