Ingredients

10 oz uncooked rotini pasta (or penne or ziti)

3 cups broccoli florets (one large crown)

2 1/2 cups cooked chicken meat (shredded or chopped)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

1 large onion (diced)

2 garlic cloves (minced)

2 cups chicken broth (or chicken stock)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese (plus more for the top)

1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 3: Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 7 minutes). Add the broccoli florets 3 minutes before pasta is done cooking.

Step 4: Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, then transfer back to the empty pot and cover with a lid. Set aside.

Step 5: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring often, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 6: Stir in the flour and cook while stirring for about 2 minutes. Then pour in 1 cup of chicken broth.

Step 7: Cook on low heat, whisking until the sauce is mostly smooth and thickened. Add the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream.

Step 8: Continue to cook, whisking often, until the sauce bubbles. Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack (or mozzarella), and parmesan cheeses until melted.

Step 9: Add the cooked chicken, along with the reserved pasta and broccoli. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10: Stir gently until the sauce evenly coats the pasta mixture. Transfer everything to a casserole dish.

Step 11: Sprinkle about 1/2 cup more Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese on top, if desired.

Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top has golden edges.

Step 13: Serve immediately with a green salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

You can swap rotini for penne or ziti based on preference or what you have on hand.

Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey in place of chicken for convenience.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the sauce.

To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and milk.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw it slightly and drain excess moisture before adding it to avoid a watery bake.

What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute vegetable broth or water with a bit of added seasoning, but chicken broth gives the best flavor for this recipe.

Dinner

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction