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Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.2 from 14 reviews

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal featuring tender pieces of chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and rotini pasta baked in a flavorful tomato and milk sauce, topped with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients with minimal prep to deliver a satisfying, cheesy casserole packed with protein and veggies.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces rotini or other small-shaped pasta
  • 1 pound chicken (breast or thigh), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 small head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 3 cups)
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce or favorite jarred tomato sauce
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 15 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine ingredients: Place the rotini pasta into the prepared baking dish, then add the cut chicken pieces and broccoli florets. Sprinkle the oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the ingredients.
  3. Add liquids and mix: Pour the two cans of tomato sauce along with 2 cups of whole milk over the pasta mixture. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring the pasta is completely submerged under the sauce to allow even cooking.
  4. Add cheeses: Dollop the whole-milk ricotta cheese evenly over the top of the combined mixture, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  5. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with a baking mat or aluminum foil. Bake the pasta dish at 400°F for 40 minutes. Don’t be alarmed by the liquid that accumulates during baking.
  6. Uncover and bake more: After 40 minutes, remove the cover and continue baking the dish uncovered for an additional 20 minutes. This allows the pasta to become tender and the sauce to thicken.
  7. Garnish and serve: Once done, optionally top with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting chicken broccoli pasta bake!

Notes

  • Avoid using legume-based pastas, which tend to become too mushy in no-boil baking methods like this recipe.
  • Ensure the pasta is fully submerged under the sauce before baking to avoid dry or unevenly cooked pasta.
  • Feel free to top the finished dish with freshly cracked black pepper, parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs to enhance flavor.
  • Using whole milk and whole-milk ricotta provides a creamy texture and rich taste; lower fat dairy can be substituted but will change the final creaminess.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/chicken-broccoli-pasta-bake-recipe/