Ultimate One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake: Your Go-To Quick & Easy Dinner
Discover the magic of a truly effortless and satisfying meal with this **One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake**. Bursting with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a generous layer of melted cheese, this dish is designed for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort without the kitchen chaos. Imagine a hearty casserole, rich in flavor and texture, all cooked in a single skillet and ready to dazzle your taste buds in just under 35 minutes. Forget the pile of dirty dishes; this recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, family-friendly dinner with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
We all have those days where life feels too busy for fussy meals. Between work, errands, and family commitments, finding an hour to prepare an elaborate meal can seem impossible. This is precisely where our **Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake** shines. It’s the ultimate answer to the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma, transforming simple ingredients into a warm, bubbly, and utterly delicious casserole that everyone will love. Using pre-cooked chicken, whether leftover shredded chicken or a convenient rotisserie chicken, streamlines the process even further. This quick, simple, and cozy dish proves that miracles do happen in the kitchen, especially when they’re cheesy, home-baked miracles ready in a flash.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
- **Effortless One-Pan Cooking:** The biggest win! Everything, from cooking the pasta to melting the cheese, happens in a single large skillet. This significantly reduces cleanup and simplifies the cooking process, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
- **Rich, Creamy, and Cheesy Perfection:** This isn’t just a pasta dish; it’s a luscious experience. The sauce is wonderfully thick and creamy, generously coating every piece of pasta, chicken, and broccoli, all brought together with an abundance of melted, golden cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
- **Hearty and Wholesome:** Packed with lean protein from the chicken, essential vitamins from the tender-crisp broccoli, and satisfying carbs from the pasta, this bake offers a balanced and filling meal that’s perfect for growing families and hungry adults alike. It’s a complete meal in one.
- **A Guaranteed Family Favorite:** Kids and adults alike rave about this dish. Its appealing textures and comforting flavors make it an instant hit at any dinner table. Don’t be surprised if requests for seconds (or even thirds!) become a regular occurrence – my husband certainly couldn’t get enough!
- **Made with Everyday Pantry Staples:** You likely have most of these ingredients on hand already, making this a go-to recipe for those days when a last-minute meal is needed. Simple, accessible ingredients mean no special trips to the grocery store.
- **Incredibly Fast – Ready in Under 35 Minutes:** From start to finish, this entire meal is on your table in under 35 minutes. It’s faster than ordering takeout and infinitely more satisfying. Prepare for weeknight miracles!
Essential Ingredients for Your Cheesy Pasta Bake
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a delicious dinner. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and substitution ideas to make this recipe perfectly suited to your kitchen and preferences:
- Shredded Chicken: This is a perfect dish for utilizing pre-cooked chicken, making it incredibly fast. I often make a large batch of shredded chicken at the beginning of the week for various meals. If you don’t have leftovers, simply shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Its seasoned flavor will add another layer of deliciousness.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli provides a fantastic crunch and vibrant green color. I prefer to cut my own florets from a head of broccoli as it’s often more cost-effective and allows for size control. Aim for smaller florets (about ½-inch to 1-inch) to ensure they cook quickly and are easy to stir into the pasta. You can also use pre-cut florets for convenience.
- Abundant Cheese: A generous amount of cheese is essential for this “cheesy” bake! You’ll need it for both the rich, creamy sauce and a bubbling, golden crust on top. I used an Italian cheese blend, which typically includes mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan, offering a complex flavor profile. However, any good melting shredded cheese will work beautifully—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Colby Jack blend are all excellent choices.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics are non-negotiable for building a flavorful foundation. Diced onion and minced garlic lend a savory depth that can’t be achieved without them. They sweat down to release their sweet and pungent notes, forming the base of your delicious sauce.
- Chicken Broth: This liquid is vital for two reasons: it cooks the pasta directly in the skillet, infusing it with flavor, and it forms the base of your creamy cheese sauce. For dietary needs, vegetable broth is an excellent alternative and works just as well. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the overall saltiness of your dish.
- Whole Milk: Incorporating whole milk adds a luxurious creaminess and richness to the sauce, contributing to its comforting texture. If whole milk isn’t available, feel free to use 2% milk, but be aware it might result in a slightly less rich consistency.
- All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour acts as a thickening agent for the milk and broth mixture, helping to create that silky-smooth, cohesive cheese sauce. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be easily substituted without compromising texture.
- Kosher Salt: Seasoning is key! Kosher salt enhances all the flavors in the dish, especially the cheese. Its larger crystals and milder taste compared to table salt make it ideal for cooking. If you only have table salt, use half the amount specified, as it’s much saltier by volume.
- Unsalted Butter: Used to sauté your onion and garlic, butter adds a foundational richness and smooth flavor to the dish right from the start.
How to Prepare This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
This cheesy chicken and broccoli pasta bake is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for novice cooks and busy parents alike. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures it’s ready for the final quick bake and broil.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, oven-safe nonstick skillet (preferably 12-inch or larger) over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add Liquids and Bring to a Simmer: Pour the chicken broth and whole milk into the skillet. Add the kosher salt. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Cook the Pasta: Once simmering, add your pasta shells to the skillet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the pasta evenly, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat back to medium and cook the pasta until it is *just* al dente. This is crucial: the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so it should still have a slight bite to it now. Overcooking at this stage will result in mushy pasta later.
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Stir in the Broccoli: Once the pasta is nearly al dente, stir in the small broccoli florets. They will cook quickly in the hot liquid as the sauce comes together.
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Create the Cheese Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir well until no lumps remain and it’s fully incorporated. Then, add 1.5 cups of shredded Italian cheese to the skillet. Continue to stir gently until the cheese has completely melted and a smooth, creamy sauce has formed, thoroughly coating the pasta and vegetables.
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Incorporate the Chicken & Top with Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded chicken, ensuring it’s well distributed throughout the cheesy pasta mixture. For that irresistible golden crust, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Italian cheese (or your preferred blend like cheddar jack) generously over the top of the pasta bake.
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Bake and Broil to Perfection: Carefully transfer the oven-safe skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for just 5 minutes to ensure everything is piping hot and bubbly. Then, switch your oven to the broiler setting. Watch the casserole *very* closely – the cheese will brown rapidly. Broil for about 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly. Do not walk away from the oven during this step!
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Serve Immediately: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with an additional pinch of kosher salt if desired, and serve your glorious, cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake while hot. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for a Perfect One-Pan Pasta Bake
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta Initially: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for a perfectly textured pasta bake. Since the pasta continues to cook during the short oven bake, ensure it’s still slightly firm (al dente) when you incorporate the broccoli and cheese. This prevents it from becoming mushy and guarantees a pleasant bite.
- Choose the Right Skillet: A good quality, oven-safe nonstick skillet (a 12-inch cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan works wonderfully) is key. This allows for even cooking, prevents sticking, especially with the creamy, cheesy sauce, and transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven. Always double-check that your skillet’s handle is oven-safe!
- Handle with Extreme Care: After baking and broiling, the skillet handle will be incredibly hot. Always use a thick oven mitt or a heat-resistant towel when handling the pan. Placing a mitt over the handle as soon as it comes out of the oven can serve as a helpful visual reminder.
- Broiler Vigilance is Key: The broiler works very quickly and intensely! Do not step away from the oven when the broiler is on. Cheese can go from perfectly golden and bubbly to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stay right there and watch it like a hawk until you achieve the desired golden-brown speckles.
- Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste: Different brands of chicken broth and cheese can vary in their saltiness. It’s always a good idea to taste your sauce before adding the chicken and pasta. Adjust with more kosher salt or a pinch of freshly ground black pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Small Broccoli Florets are Best: To ensure the broccoli cooks through evenly and integrates well into the dish without being too chunky, aim for small, uniform florets (about ½ to 1 inch). Larger pieces might require a bit more cooking time or could remain too firm.
Delicious Variations & Customizations to Try
- Pasta Alternatives: While pasta shells create a lovely texture that captures the sauce, feel free to experiment with other small-shaped pasta varieties. Penne, rotini, elbows, ditalini, or fusilli are all excellent choices. For those seeking extra protein or a gluten-free option, chickpea pasta or other legume-based pastas work well. If using gluten-free pasta, be extra mindful not to overcook it, as it tends to get mushy quickly. Brands like Barilla offer a great gluten-free line that holds up well.
- Boost Your Veggies: This recipe is incredibly versatile for adding more vegetables. Consider stirring in a handful of baby spinach (it will wilt down quickly into the hot sauce), frozen peas (add them towards the very end of cooking to retain their vibrant color and texture), corn, diced bell peppers (sauté them with the onion and garlic), or even small cauliflower florets for added nutrients and color.
- Cheese, Please!: Don’t limit yourself to just Italian blend. A mix of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda would add a wonderfully deep, sophisticated flavor. For an even richer and tangier sauce, melt in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese with your shredded cheese. A sprinkle of grated parmesan on top after broiling adds an extra layer of salty, nutty flavor.
- Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and onion, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished sauce. A touch of cayenne pepper can also add subtle warmth.
- Herbs & Seasonings: Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the top just before serving add a burst of fresh flavor and color. A teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or a bay leaf added to the simmering broth can also enhance the overall aroma and taste profile of your bake.
- Protein Swaps: While chicken is classic, cooked turkey (leftover Thanksgiving turkey, anyone?), ham, or even Italian sausage (browned and crumbled) could make delicious protein substitutes. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add cannellini beans or chickpeas, or even plant-based chicken strips.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover **one-pan chicken broccoli pasta bake** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the casserole cools completely before transferring it to the container to prevent excess condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl until warmed through. You can also reheat larger quantities in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150°C) until hot throughout. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. If the pasta seems a bit dry after refrigeration, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to restore some creaminess.
- Freezing (Optional): While this casserole is best enjoyed fresh, it can be frozen for future meals. Once completely cooled, transfer individual portions or the entire bake to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and then plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the pasta might become slightly softer in texture after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No problem at all! A rotisserie chicken is your best friend here. It’s already cooked, seasoned, and incredibly flavorful. Simply shred the meat from the bones. A fantastic tip for easy shredding: if you have a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, you can place warm chicken pieces in the bowl and run it on low speed for a minute or two until perfectly shredded. If you don’t have a stand mixer, two forks will do the trick just fine for shredding.
This **cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake** is a complete meal in itself, offering protein, healthy vegetables, and carbohydrates. However, if you’d like to complement it, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would provide a refreshing contrast. Some crusty garlic bread is always a delicious choice for soaking up the creamy sauce, or an extra serving of roasted vegetables (like asparagus, green beans, or carrots) would be wonderful additions for a more substantial meal.
Absolutely! Making this dish gluten-free is quite simple. Just swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety (ensure it’s a small shape like shells or penne for consistent cooking). Additionally, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of standard all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce. Always remember to check all ingredient labels to confirm every component is gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
For the absolute best texture and flavor, this dish is most delicious when served fresh from the oven. However, you can certainly do some prep work in advance. You can shred the chicken, chop the broccoli, onion, and garlic a day or two before. While you *could* assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it before baking, the pasta might absorb too much liquid and become softer. If you choose to do this, you might need to add a splash more broth or milk before baking and extend the oven baking time slightly until it’s hot and bubbly.
For the topping, any good melting cheese will work beautifully to create that coveted golden crust! A shredded Italian blend (like the one used in the sauce) creates a classic flavor and wonderful melt. Other fantastic options include sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked provolone or Fontina for a different flavor dimension. The goal is a bubbly, golden-brown top that adds a lovely texture and extra cheesy goodness.
More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
- Hearty Cowboy Soup
- Comforting Easy Homestyle Chili
- Simple & Fresh Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe
- Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs
One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Carolyn
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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12 inch Nonstick skillet (Oven-Safe)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup diced onion
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 3 cups small broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup shredded Italian cheese (plus ½ cup for topping)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 2 cups shredded chicken (pre-cooked)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
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In a 12-inch nonstick, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then sweat for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
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Add the chicken broth, whole milk, and kosher salt to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Add the pasta shells and reduce the heat back to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just al dente (still has a slight bite). Do not cook it fully, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
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Stir in the small broccoli florets.
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Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir until fully incorporated. Then add 1.5 cups of shredded Italian cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and a smooth, creamy sauce forms, coating the pasta and vegetables.
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Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded chicken until well distributed. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese for a golden crust.
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Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. Then, switch the oven to broil. Watch *very* closely and broil for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly. Do not walk away!
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Remove from the oven, sprinkle with an extra pinch of kosher salt if desired, and serve immediately. Remember the handle will be hot!
Nutrition
In conclusion, this One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution for those hectic days when you crave a wholesome, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal without the fuss. Its simplicity, speed, and comforting flavors make it a staple in any kitchen. So go ahead, whip up this cheesy miracle tonight, and enjoy the taste of a home-cooked meal that truly delivers on convenience, flavor, and minimal cleanup. Happy cooking!