Ultra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Ultra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a cheesy, creamy sauce baked to golden perfection, it’s a satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy.
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 or stock, warmed
- 2 cups milk, warmed (any fat percentage)
- 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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan-forced).
- Step 2: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Spread the uncooked pasta evenly in a 23 x 33cm (9 x 13″) baking dish. Sprinkle the flour evenly across the pasta surface; avoid dumping it in clumps.
- Step 4: Pour the warmed milk and chicken broth over the pasta. Add minced garlic and butter, then stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Arrange the seasoned chicken over the pasta mixture, then spread the broccoli florets on top.
- Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes (or 20 minutes if the milk and broth were cold).
- Step 7: Remove the foil and stir the mixture well. Add most of the shredded cheese, stir again thoroughly, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Step 8: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese topping is golden and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 9: Let the pasta bake stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot and creamy!
Tips & Variations
- Use different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if you prefer—just make sure to adjust baking time as needed.
- Substitute broccoli with cauliflower or a mix of both for variety.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the chicken seasoning for a subtle kick.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of cream cheese before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps maintain the creamy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it before adding to avoid excess moisture.
Do I need to boil the pasta before baking?
No, this recipe uses uncooked pasta that cooks in the sauce during baking, making it simpler and saving time.
PrintUltra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
This Ultra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a quick, comforting, and satisfying one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection, this recipe is both easy to prepare and deliciously hearty. With minimal prep and straightforward steps, it delivers a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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 (or other pasta shape as per Note 1)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth/stock, warmed
- 2 cups milk (any fat %, warmed)
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp / 30g unsalted butter (optional but recommended)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 large broccoli (or 2 medium broccoli or cauliflower heads, broken into small to medium florets)
- 1 1/2 cups tightly packed shredded cheddar or colby cheese (or tasty cheese, pizza mix, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (or 180°C fan-forced) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the pasta dish.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly with the herbs and seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Spread the uncooked spiral pasta evenly in a 23 x 33cm (9 x 13″) baking dish. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the pasta surface, avoiding clumps for smooth sauce thickening. Pour warmed milk and chicken broth over it, add minced garlic and unsalted butter, then stir to combine everything well.
- Add Chicken and Broccoli: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the pasta mixture, then top with the broccoli florets spread across the dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. If your milk and broth are cold, extend the bake time to 20 minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
- Stir and Add Cheese: Carefully remove the foil and stir the mixture very well. Add most of the shredded cheese into the mix, stir thoroughly again to distribute the cheese evenly, and then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake to Finish: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15–20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pasta bake stand for a few minutes after removing from the oven to allow the sauce to set, then serve immediately for the best creamy texture and flavor.
Notes
- Note 1: Other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well if you prefer different textures or shapes.
- Note 2: Cauliflower can be used instead of broccoli, or a mix of both, according to preference.
- Note 3: Feel free to substitute the cheddar or colby cheese with tasty cheese blends or pizza cheese mixes for different flavor profiles.
- Note 4: If the sauce seems too thin after baking, you can bake uncovered a little longer to let it thicken, or stir again and bake briefly to achieve the desired consistency.
Keywords: Chicken pasta bake, creamy pasta bake, broccoli pasta bake, easy chicken dinner, baked pasta, comfort food
