This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that balances indulgence with nutrition. With a creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner that everyone will love. The best part? It’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze!
Full Recipe:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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500g (1 lb) chicken breast, cubed
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2 cups broccoli florets
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
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1 cup cooked pasta (penne or similar)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes.
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Add garlic to the pan and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
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Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add the broccoli and cooked pasta to the pan, stirring to combine.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake: A Comforting and Nutritious Meal
When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a cheesy, hearty pasta dish. However, balancing flavor and nutrition can sometimes feel like a challenge. Enter the Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake—a dish that effortlessly combines the best of both worlds. Packed with protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense broccoli, and creamy cheese, this meal is a satisfying yet wholesome choice for busy weeknights or when you want to indulge in a filling dish without straying too far from your health goals.
A Perfect Balance of Comfort and Nutrition
This pasta bake strikes the ideal balance between comfort food and a health-conscious meal. While traditional pasta bakes are often rich in calories and fats, the Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is lighter without compromising on taste. The dish is built around tender chicken, which is an excellent source of lean protein, and broccoli, which adds essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
The addition of a creamy sauce, made from a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream, helps achieve that indulgent flavor you crave without going overboard on the calories. The mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses offer a deliciously cheesy topping that melts beautifully during the baking process, making this dish feel indulgent yet relatively healthy. It’s the perfect option for families, busy individuals, or anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without feeling guilty.
A Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
One of the standout features of this Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is its simplicity and convenience. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, this meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time. Unlike many other baked pasta dishes, which can require multiple steps and ingredients, this recipe uses only basic pantry staples and fresh ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Additionally, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the recipe based on what you have available or your dietary preferences. For instance, you can swap out the chicken for turkey or even use a plant-based protein if you’re looking to make it vegetarian. Similarly, the broccoli can be replaced with other vegetables such as spinach, kale, or cauliflower. This adaptability makes it a go-to recipe for families with varying tastes or for meal prep, as it’s easy to adjust for different needs.
Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Friendly
The Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is also a great option for meal prep. Once prepared, it can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, allowing you to enjoy leftovers later in the week. If you’re planning to prep in advance, you can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Simply pop it into the oven when you’re ready to eat, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal in no time.
For even more convenience, this recipe can be frozen. After assembling and baking the pasta bake, allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the oven until it’s piping hot. This makes the recipe perfect for busy weeks when you don’t have time to cook or when you’re planning for a future meal.
Nutritional Benefits of the Ingredients
The key to making the Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake a nutritious meal lies in the careful selection of ingredients. Chicken breast is a lean protein source, low in fat and high in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair while helping to keep you feeling full. Broccoli, often referred to as a superfood, is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It contains high levels of vitamin C, which supports immune function, and vitamin K, which is vital for bone health.
The heavy cream and chicken broth work together to create a rich sauce without adding excessive amounts of fat. Choosing a reduced-fat option for the cream can further reduce the calorie content, making it even lighter. The mozzarella cheese offers a creamy texture, while the Parmesan adds a touch of saltiness and depth of flavor. The combination of these ingredients ensures that the dish is both satisfying and nourishing.
Making It Your Own
One of the best things about the Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is that it’s highly customizable. You can easily add your own flair to the dish by experimenting with different ingredients or seasonings. For example, if you enjoy a bit of spice, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
If you’re a fan of other vegetables, feel free to toss in some sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of pasta to suit your preferences. While penne or similar pasta shapes work best in this dish, any pasta will do. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used to make the recipe suitable for different dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is already quite filling on its own, you can serve it alongside a fresh salad or a side of garlic bread for a more complete meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of the pasta bake. If you’re craving more carbs, opt for a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fruit salad.
This pasta bake also pairs well with a glass of white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the creaminess of the dish and the subtle flavors of the chicken and broccoli. Alternatively, you can serve it with a sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.
Conclusion
The Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a delicious and nutritious take on the classic pasta bake. It combines the comfort of a cheesy pasta dish with the benefits of lean protein and vegetables, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a satisfying yet healthy meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or simply looking for a quick dinner option, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Not only is it versatile and easy to make, but it can also be adapted to suit different dietary preferences and tastes. Its simple ingredients, ease of preparation, and ability to be made ahead of time make it a convenient and reliable dish for busy nights. So, the next time you’re craving a comforting yet nutritious meal, give this Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Final Thoughts on Healthy Eating
Eating healthily doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or indulgence. By incorporating wholesome ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and lightened-up creamy sauces, you can create meals that nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds. With a bit of creativity, you can turn even the most comforting dishes into nutritious options that align with your health goals. The Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a perfect example of how you can enjoy classic comfort food without the guilt.