Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake with Crunchy Parmesan Topping
A comforting and family-friendly dish combining tender penne pasta, juicy chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with a crunchy Parmesan coating.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 250 g penne pasta Serves as the base of the dish.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken Adds savory richness.
- 2 cups broccoli florets Adds fresh, colorful crunch.
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter Used in the sauce preparation.
- 2 cloves minced garlic Provides a fragrant aroma.
- 1.5 cups milk or half-and-half Ensures indulgent creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella Adds melty goodness.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese For richness in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Enhances overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season generously.
Topping Ingredients
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs Adds crunch to the topping.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter Used to mix with breadcrumbs.
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese For the topping mix.
Garnish
- Chopped parsley For garnishing before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by boiling a pot of water and adding the penne pasta. Cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Next, take 2 cups of broccoli florets and steam them for about 3–4 minutes until just tender and bright green.
Making the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in 1 1⁄2 cups of milk or half-and-half and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer before adding 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan.
- Cook until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Preparing the Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Transfer the combined mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Serving
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Common mistakes to avoid include overcooking the pasta and broccoli. For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer. Consider healthier alternatives like whole wheat pasta or grilled tofu for a vegetarian version.