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To make a Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cups rotini pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a dish that is filling and tasty. The rotini pasta serves as a great base, holding onto all the flavors. Shredded chicken brings protein, while broccoli adds color and nutrients. The blend of cheeses makes this bake extra creamy and cheesy. Garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning enhance the flavors, making every bite delicious. Don't forget the chicken broth! It keeps everything moist and flavorful. Finally, fresh parsley adds a bright note to the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente pasta, which means it should be firm to the bite. This will help keep the texture after baking. When it's done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, steam the broccoli florets. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a tablespoon of water to the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Microwave the broccoli for about three minutes. Check to see if it is tender but still bright green. Drain it and set it aside with the pasta. Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the cooked rotini, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli in the bowl. Add the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it's mixed well. Next, pour in the chicken broth and olive oil. This adds moisture and helps blend all the flavors. Mix until all the ingredients are combined. Take a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Transfer the mixture from the bowl into the baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top the mixture with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. This will give the dish a rich and cheesy finish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Once it's ready, remove it from the oven. Let it sit for five minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch. How to achieve al dente pasta? To cook rotini pasta perfectly, boil salted water. Once it bubbles, add the pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes. Check it a minute or two before the time is up. The pasta should be firm but not hard. This gives a nice bite to your dish. Best way to steam broccoli for color and texture? I love steaming broccoli to keep it bright green. Use a microwave-safe bowl with a little water. Cover it with plastic wrap and steam for about 3 minutes. The broccoli will stay tender and crunchy, adding great texture to your bake. Choosing the right cheese for flavor? For this dish, I use a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Ricotta adds creaminess. Mozzarella gives a nice melt. Parmesan adds a salty kick. This combo makes each bite delicious and cheesy. How to get a golden cheese topping? To achieve a golden cheese layer, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Bake it at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. The cheese will bubble and turn golden, creating a perfect crust. Ahead of time prep for meal planning? You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and steam the broccoli early. Mix everything and place it in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate it for later. Just bake when you’re ready. How to make it a one-dish meal? This recipe is a one-dish meal. It combines protein, veggies, and carbs all in one. You don’t need any sides, but a fresh salad pairs nicely if you like. Enjoy your easy cleanup! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: To prevent mushy pasta, cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking. Use Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh broccoli florets instead of frozen ones. Variations with Cheese: Feel free to mix in other types of cheese, like cheddar or gouda, for different flavor profiles. Let it Rest: Allow the pasta bake to sit for a few minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier. {{image_2}} If you want to change up your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake, try these options: - Alternative proteins: Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken. Both add great flavor. - Dairy-free options: Substitute ricotta with cashew cream or a dairy-free cheese. This keeps it creamy without dairy. You can easily change the flavor of your bake. Here are some ideas: - Adding spices or herbs: Mix in red pepper flakes for heat or fresh basil for a fresh taste. - Incorporating additional vegetables: Try adding bell peppers, spinach, or carrots for extra nutrition and color. Pair your bake with these sides for a full meal: - Best sides: A simple green salad or garlic bread complements the flavors well. - Making it a full meal: Serve with roasted vegetables or a light soup for a hearty dinner. To keep your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool down before sealing it. Properly stored, it lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. You can freeze this dish before or after baking. If you freeze it before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This protects it from freezer burn. For freezing after baking, let it cool completely first. Store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To keep your pasta bake moist, reheating in the oven works best. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until it's warm throughout. If you prefer using the microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Both methods work well, but the oven gives a better texture. Yes, you can prepare Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake ahead of time. To do this, follow the recipe up to the baking step. After mixing the ingredients, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, just remove the cover and bake straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through. Baking Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before placing the dish inside. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. This visual cue means it is ready to serve. This dish pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is another great choice, as it soaks up any extra cheese sauce. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a healthy touch. These options will round out your meal nicely. Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like. Rotini is great because it holds sauce well. Penne or fusilli can also work nicely. Just keep in mind that different shapes may change the texture slightly. Choose what you enjoy most! This guide provided how to make a Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake. We covered each ingredient, from rotini to cheeses. You learned steps from prepping to mixing and baking. Tips and tricks helped improve your cooking. Variations offered ideas for swaps and flavors. Storage tips ensured your dish stays fresh. Enjoying this meal will impress your family and friends. Try out different flavors and substitutions. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

A delicious and creamy pasta bake featuring rotini, chicken, broccoli, and a blend of cheeses.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Steam the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water covered with plastic wrap for about 3 minutes, or until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and olive oil to bring moisture to the dish, mixing until combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly in the dish.
  • Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added pop of color.

Notes

Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving for better slicing.
Keyword bake, broccoli, cheesy, chicken, pasta