Ingredients <\/p>\n\n\n\n
**Main Ingredients:**
\u2013 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
\u2013 1 medium head of broccoli (cut into florets)
\u2013 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini works best)
\u2013 2 tablespoons olive oil
\u2013 1 medium onion (diced)
\u2013 2 cloves garlic (minced)
\u2013 1 \u00bd cups heavy cream
\u2013 1 \u00bd cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
\u2013 1 \u00bd cups shredded cheddar cheese
\u2013 \u00bd cup grated Parmesan cheese
\u2013 Salt and pepper, to taste<\/p>\n\n\n\n
**Optional Additions:**
\u2013 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
\u2013 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
\u2013 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for a tangy kick)
\u2013 1\/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
\u2013 Fresh parsley or basil for garnish<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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### **Tips for Success**
1. **Don\u2019t Overcook the Broccoli:** When cooking the broccoli, blanch it for just 2-3 minutes to preserve its vibrant color and nutritional value. Overcooking can make it mushy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. **Choose the Right Pasta:** Pick pasta shapes that can hold sauce well, such as penne, rotini, or shells. Avoid delicate pasta like spaghetti, which may break down during baking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. **Use Fresh Chicken:** Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken makes this recipe quicker and adds flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. **Cheese Varieties:** While cheddar and Parmesan are classic, you can experiment with Gruy\u00e8re, mozzarella, or gouda for different flavor profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce before baking and adjust seasoning as necessary. Don\u2019t forget to season each layer (pasta, chicken, sauce) as you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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### **Instructions**<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Set your oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C) and lightly grease a 9\u00d713-inch baking dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. **Cook the Pasta**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. **Prepare the Broccoli**: In the same pot, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Drain and set aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. **Saut\u00e9 the Aromatics**: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. **Make the Creamy Sauce**: Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. **Combine Ingredients**: Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli into the skillet. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and everything is evenly coated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. **Bake**: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with a little more shredded cheese (if desired) and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. **Garnish and Serve**: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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### **Description**
This **Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake** is a satisfying dish that balances protein, vegetables, and comforting carbs in a rich, velvety sauce. The chicken provides lean protein, the broccoli contributes fiber and vitamins, and the pasta adds a hearty element to this baked casserole. The cheesy sauce binds it all together, creating a dish that\u2019s both indulgent and nutritious. It\u2019s a wonderful weeknight dinner option or a make-ahead meal for busy days.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ingredients **Main Ingredients:**\u2013 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)\u2013 1 medium head of broccoli (cut into florets)\u2013 12…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9760,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[5,3,4,2,6,7,8,9,15,14],"class_list":["post-9759","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-recipes","tag-challenge","tag-cheesy","tag-chicken","tag-food","tag-italian","tag-pasta","tag-pizza","tag-pizzeria","tag-potatoes","tag-yum"],"yoast_head":"\n