Ultra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

ByAiden Wells
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Introduction

This Ultra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a simple, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy pasta in a creamy sauce that requires minimal effort but delivers great flavor.

This image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with baked pasta and broccoli. The dish has a crispy golden-brown top layer of melted cheese with scattered green broccoli florets peeking through. Below the cheese, there are creamy white sauce layers mixed with pale yellow twisty pasta noodles and pieces of cooked broccoli. The pasta looks soft and covered with sauce, while the broccoli is bright green and slightly browned from baking. A silver spoon is scooping some of the creamy pasta and broccoli from the top left corner of the dish. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 400g / 14 oz chicken tenderloin (breast or thigh), cut into 1.5cm (3/5″) pieces
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or other herbs/spices of choice)
  • 250g / 8 oz spiral pasta, uncooked
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth/stock, warmed
  • 2 cups milk, warmed (any fat %)
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsp / 30g unsalted butter (optional but recommended)
  • 1 large broccoli (or 2 medium broccoli or cauliflower), broken into small to medium florets
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or colby cheese (or tasty cheese, pizza mix etc.)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C fan-forced.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and thyme, then toss to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Spread the uncooked pasta evenly in a 23 x 33cm (9 x 13″) baking dish. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the pasta—avoid dumping it in clumps to ensure it dissolves smoothly.
  4. Step 4: Pour the warmed milk and chicken broth over the pasta and flour. Add the minced garlic and butter, then stir gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces evenly on top of the pasta mixture, then spread the broccoli florets over the chicken.
  6. Step 6: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes (or 20 minutes if your milk and broth were cold).
  7. Step 7: Remove the foil and stir the mixture well. Add most of the shredded cheese and stir again to combine thoroughly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
  8. Step 8: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is golden and the sauce has thickened.
  9. Step 9: Let the pasta bake stand for a few minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

  • You can substitute spiral pasta with penne, fusilli, or any other short pasta shape that holds sauce well.
  • Swap broccoli for cauliflower or a mix of both to vary the vegetable content.
  • Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar to get a gooier, stretchier topping.
  • If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes along with the thyme for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish is not recommended for freezing due to the creamy sauce texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a baked pasta dish featuring spiral rotini noodles mixed with broccoli pieces. The dish is covered in a creamy white sauce with melted, slightly browned cheese on top, giving a golden crust in some areas. The broccoli looks tender with bright green and darker roasted edges, while the creamy sauce is thick and coats the pasta and vegetables evenly. A spoon is scooping up a serving, lifting noodles and broccoli out of the dish, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this pasta bake?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid extra moisture that could affect the bake’s consistency.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before baking?

No, the pasta cooks in the oven with the sauce and broth, absorbing flavors and keeping the process easy and hands-off.

Print
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Ultra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 137 reviews
  • Author: Aiden
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Salt
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Description

This Ultra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a simple, comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces and fresh broccoli florets are baked together with spiral pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s easy to prepare with minimal fuss. The dish combines wholesome ingredients with a rich, flavorful sauce made from milk, chicken broth, and cheddar cheese for a satisfying family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 400g / 14 oz chicken tenderloin (breast or thigh, cut into 1.5cm / 3/5″ pieces)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or other herbs/spices of choice)

Pasta and Sauce

  • 250g / 8 oz spiral pasta, uncooked
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth/stock, warmed
  • 2 cups milk, warmed (any fat %)
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsp / 30g unsalted butter (optional but recommended)

Vegetables & Cheese

  • 1 large broccoli, broken into small to medium florets (or 2 medium broccoli or cauliflower florets)
  • 1 1/2 cups tightly packed shredded cheddar or colby cheese (or tasty cheese, pizza mix, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (or 180°C fan-forced). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the pasta and chicken thoroughly while melting the cheese beautifully.
  2. Season Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Toss to coat the pieces evenly with the seasoning for maximum flavor.
  3. Prepare Pasta Base: Spread the uncooked spiral pasta evenly in a 23 x 33cm (9 x 13″) baking dish. Sprinkle the flour evenly across the pasta surface in small amounts, avoiding clumps to ensure it dissolves properly when liquid is added.
  4. Add Liquid and Seasoning: Pour warmed milk and chicken broth over the pasta and flour. Add minced garlic and optional butter to the baking dish. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.
  5. Add Chicken and Broccoli: Spread the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the pasta and liquid mixture. Follow by adding the broccoli florets on top, distributing them well.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes if liquids are warm, or 20 minutes if liquids are cold. This cooks the pasta, chicken, and broccoli together.
  7. Stir and Add Cheese: Remove the foil carefully. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine the ingredients well. Add most of the shredded cheese and stir again to incorporate it into the sauce and pasta. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese topping becomes golden and bubbly, and the sauce thickens nicely.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake stand for a few minutes to set. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Note 1: You can substitute spiral pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni that hold sauce well.
  • Note 2: Cauliflower can replace broccoli if preferred, or combine both for variety.
  • Note 3: Use a cheese blend like tasty cheese or pizza mix if cheddar or colby is unavailable.
  • Note 4: If sauce is too thin after baking, return to oven for additional baking time or stir well off heat to thicken; if too thick, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Western

Keywords: Chicken pasta bake, creamy chicken broccoli pasta, easy pasta bake, cheesy chicken casserole, weeknight dinner, one dish meal

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