Are you craving a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that'll make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds? Look no further than this irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake! Imagine a perfect harmony of tender pasta, juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and melted cheeses that come together in one spectacular, oven-baked masterpiece. This recipe isn't just a meal - it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner you can easily create right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to properly bake the pasta dish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. In the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This will blanch the broccoli, keeping it bright green and slightly tender.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain them in a colander and set aside. Make sure to shake off any excess water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, broccoli, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the pasta and chicken mixture evenly. This will help ensure even cooking and browning.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and a nice golden crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to portion out.
- Serve the Italian Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious, hearty meal!
Tips
- For the most flavorful dish, use freshly shredded chicken and high-quality marinara sauce. Rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saving option.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta and maintains a perfect texture.
- If you want to add extra depth of flavor, consider sautéing some minced garlic or adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce before mixing.
- Make this dish ahead of time by preparing it and refrigerating before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- For a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, or swapping chicken for turkey or plant-based protein.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
