30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pasta Bake

Ah, my dear friend, gather ’round because today I’m spilling the secrets to one of my all-time favorite comfort dishes: the 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pasta Bake! This glorious concoction is like a warm hug on a plate—a cozy amalgamation of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and the vibrant crunch of broccoli. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, and I’m about to let you in on how to whip it up quickly, perfectly, and with love. So let’s dive in!

Why Cooking this Recipe Tonight

Here’s why this dish will win your heart: you get the ease of a weeknight meal combined with the flavors of a cozy family gathering. Picture this: You’re rushing home after a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But with just 30 minutes, you can transform simple pantry staples into an indulgent bake that tastes like it took all day.

This dish embodies everything I love about cooking—comfort, flavor, and a hint of nostalgia. Who wouldn’t love creamy cheeses melding beautifully with the wholesome notes of rotini pasta and tender broccoli? Plus, the rotisserie chicken makes this dish a breeze to prepare! Seriously, it’s the weeknight fairytale you didn’t know you needed, making it not just a meal but a moment of joy in your day.

Gather These Ingredients

Let’s chat about the key players for this pasta bake, shall we?

• 16 ounces rotini pasta: This curly pasta traps so much of that cheesy goodness, making every bite a delight.

• 2 cups broccoli florets: Not only does broccoli add a pop of color, but it also brings a nutritious crunch to the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap these out for cauliflower or even peas!

• Olive oil: A drizzle goes a long way in tossing the pasta and veggies, ensuring they don’t clump together like old friends who forgot to keep in touch.

• 4 tablespoons butter & 6 cloves garlic: The dynamic duo! Butter enriches the sauce while garlic adds a fragrant punch that’ll have everyone asking what smells so yummy.

• 6 tablespoons flour: This is our secret thickening agent, helping to create that luscious sauce we’re aiming for.

• Spices: We have Italian seasoning, and a dash of ground mustard here. They’re like the cheerleaders in our cooking process—encouraging a fantastic flavor profile without taking center stage.

• 16 ounces heavy cream and 16 ounces half and half: Dreamy! Together, they create a smooth, rich sauce that coats every pasta strand lovingly.

• 4 ounces cream cheese: Ah, cream cheese—the final piece in the puzzle for ultimate creaminess.

• 12 ounces freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese: You’ll want to buy the good stuff—nothing beats the sharpness of freshly shredded cheese as it melts into a glorious topping.

• 1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: A handy ingredient for your weeknight savior. Toss in leftover roasted chicken, and you’re good to go!

• Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: These will elevate your dish and bring all the flavors to life, so don’t shy away from seasoning generously.

• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish: It’s like the cherry on top! A sprinkle of green adds freshness and a pop of color before you dig in.

Preparing 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pasta Bake

Alright, let’s get hands-on! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll be left with a baked masterpiece:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Your kitchen will soon be filled with aromas that’ll have your neighbors wondering what’s cooking!

2. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. When there are 3-4 minutes left, toss in the broccoli florets. It’s a game-changer—steam those veggies and get the gorgeous green crunch all at once!

3. Drain the pasta and broccoli once they’re perfectly cooked, and toss them in a splash of olive oil. Season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. This is your base, so let them love each other!

4. While that pasta adventure unfolds, melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, flour, Italian seasoning, and ground mustard. Cook for about a minute, stirring continuously to let the flavors bloom—don’t allow that garlic to brown, or it might turn bitter!

5. Whisk in the heavy cream and half and half until you’re left with a silky mixture. Continue cooking over medium-low for a few minutes until it thickens; keep stirring and don’t let it boil.

6. Stir in the cream cheese and 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese until everything is swirled together in cheesy perfection. Season this magical concoction with more salt and pepper to your liking.

7. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shredded chicken into the pan. Toss it all together, ensuring every noodle is enrobed in that sauce. Warm the mixture for a few more moments until it’s all heated through.

8. Transfer everything to an oven-safe dish and top with the remaining 4 ounces of shredded cheese. Cover it up and pop it in the oven for about 5-10 minutes or until that cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Once it’s out and looking divine, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and prepare to be showered with compliments!

Best Way to Enjoy it

So how do you serve this dreamy dish? I usually plate it up family-style straight from the baking dish—that way, everyone can dive in. Pair it with a light, refreshing salad, perhaps with a zesty vinaigrette, to contrast the richness of the pasta. You could also slice up some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that creamy goodness—heaven, am I right?

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pasta bake keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container and you’ll be golden. When you’re ready to dig back in, pop it in the microwave or reheat in the oven to bring back that melted cheese goodness. If you want to freeze it, go for it! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months—perfect for those busy days when you crave comfort food.

Extra Tips and Advice

Here are some little nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up over the years to help you nail this recipe:

• Don’t skip the olive oil! Tossing the pasta and broccoli in oil prevents it from sticking like an embarrassing childhood memory.

• If you fancy an extra kick, try mixing in some red pepper flakes for that added warmth.

• Consider subbing in different vegetables—zucchini or spinach could join the broccoli party too.

• For an even creamier finish, sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving. Cheese is always the answer.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to customize this dish:

• Swap out the chicken for shredded turkey if it’s around the holidays.

• Want to go vegetarian? Just hold the chicken and double up on the veggies.

• Craving a smoky hint? Toss in some cooked bacon or pancetta right before baking.

• Try different cheeses! Gruyere or mozzarella can add their own unique twist.

• Use gluten-free pasta to make this delightful dish accommodating for more diets without sacrificing flavor.

Common Questions

• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! Prep everything, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready, extending the cooking time a tad to ensure it heats through.

• What can I serve with this? A green salad or roasted vegetables work great on the side.

• Is this suitable for freezing? Sure thing! Cool it completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

• How long does it take to prepare? From start to finish, about 30 minutes—not bad, right?

• Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes, just be sure to combine it with a thicker dairy-free cream to achieve a similar consistency.

Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what makes your heart sing. This 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pasta Bake is a warm embrace of flavors that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. Don’t hesitate to try it out, make it your own, and definitely share your journey. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with love!

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30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pasta Bake

Cooking Method: Baking, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Main Course, Weeknight Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy Non Vegetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 800

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pasta Bake combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli over rotini pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 16 ounces rotini pasta (Curly pasta that traps cheese well.)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (Can be substituted with cauliflower or peas.)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (To toss the pasta and vegetables.)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic (Minced.)
• 6 tablespoons flour (To thicken the sauce.)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 16 ounces heavy cream
• 16 ounces half and half
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (Shredded.)
• 1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (Pre-cooked for convenience.)
• to taste kosher salt
• to taste fresh cracked pepper
• for garnish fresh chopped parsley (Adds freshness.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
   Your kitchen will fill with a wonderful aroma!
   Mark as complete

2. Cook Pasta and Broccoli

   Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Add broccoli in the last 3-4 minutes.
   Steam the broccoli alongside the pasta.
   Mark as complete

3. Drain and Toss

   Drain the pasta and broccoli, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   Mark as complete

4. Make the Sauce

   Melt butter in a pan. Add garlic, flour, Italian seasoning, and ground mustard. Stir for 1 minute without browning the garlic.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Cream

   Whisk in heavy cream and half and half and cook until thickened.
   Mark as complete

6. Combine Everything

   Add cream cheese and cheddar cheese to the sauce, stir to combine, then mix in pasta, broccoli, and chicken.
   Ensure everything is well coated.
   Mark as complete

7. Bake

   Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
   Mark as complete

8. Garnish and Serve

   Garnish with parsley and serve family-style from the baking dish.
   Pair with a salad or garlic bread.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 800kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 45g70%

Saturated Fat 25g125%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 150mg50%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 70g24%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 4g

Protein 40g80%

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Vitamin A 1000 IU

Vitamin C 70 mg

Calcium 800 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2.5 IU

Vitamin K 45 mcg

Thiamin 0.5 mg

Riboflavin 0.8 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 80 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 600 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 40 mg

Zinc 4 mg

Selenium 25 mcg

Copper 0.5 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Great for meal prep; stores well in the fridge and freezes nicely.

Keywords: pasta bake, broccoli, chicken, cheddar, quick meal, comfort food