As the clock strikes 5 pm, we all wonder: “What’s for dinner?” Spending hours in the kitchen after a long day is overwhelming. But, there’s a solution for a delicious, creamy pasta dish without the hassle. Say hello to the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake with Broccoli, your new favorite weeknight meal.
Key Takeaways
- This one-pot chicken broccoli pasta dish is ready in less than 30 minutes.
- It combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce.
- The recipe is designed to be simple, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights.
- The creamy chicken broccoli pasta is highlighted as an everyday dinner option.
- The cooking method involves combining milk and chicken broth to create a creamy, rich sauce directly in the pot.
The Perfect Comfort Food Combination
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this garlic chicken pasta casserole. It combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh broccoli in a creamy parmesan sauce. The one-pot cooking method makes it easy and lets the flavors blend perfectly.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to this chicken alfredo pasta bake is the single pot. It cooks pasta in milk and chicken broth, making a rich sauce. Then, chicken and broccoli are added, infusing their flavors into the dish. This method makes a hassle-free meal full of flavor.
Key Benefits of One-Pot Cooking
- Less cleanup – With everything cooked in one pot, you’ll have fewer dishes to wash after the meal.
- Infused flavors – The ingredients have the opportunity to mingle and enhance one another, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Quicker cooking process – Cooking the pasta and other components together saves time compared to a multi-step recipe.
Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible combination of garlic chicken pasta casserole. Experience the true essence of comfort food in a single, satisfying dish.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pasta Bake
Making a great baked chicken parmesan pasta or cheesy chicken pasta dish needs the right ingredients. These ingredients work together to make a meal that’s tasty, healthy, and filling. It’s the kind of dish that everyone wants more of.
The main part of this dish is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean and full of protein, making a great base. You also need high-fiber pasta, like whole-grain penne or fusilli, for a hearty texture.
The recipe also includes chicken broth and skim milk for creaminess and flavor. These liquids make a rich, healthier sauce. Adding broccoli florets boosts the dish’s nutrition and adds a nice crunch and color.
No baked chicken parmesan pasta or cheesy chicken pasta dish is complete without garlic and Parmesan cheese. They mix together to create a taste that’s both comforting and tempting.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1 pound |
| High-Fiber Pasta (Penne or Fusilli) | 1 pound |
| Chicken Broth | 3 cups |
| Skim Milk | 12 ounces |
| Broccoli Florets | 4 cups |
| Garlic, Peeled and Minced | 4-5 cloves |
| Parmesan Cheese, Freshly Shredded or Grated | 1/2 cup |
With these key ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious baked chicken parmesan pasta or cheesy chicken pasta dish. It will satisfy your hunger and impress your taste buds.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the tasty chicken parmesan pasta dinner or baked garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. These items will help make cooking smooth and easy. Let’s check out what you’ll need.
Recommended Baking Dishes
A 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe. It’s big enough to layer the chicken parmesan pasta or garlic parmesan chicken pasta without crowding. This ensures everything cooks evenly and turns out great.
Additional Kitchen Essentials
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the right taste and texture.
- Mixing bowl: A big mixing bowl is useful for mixing the pasta, chicken, and sauce.
- Aluminum foil: Using foil to cover the dish while it bakes keeps it moist and prevents it from getting too dark.
Before you start, make sure your oven is preheated to 450°F. This will help the chicken parmesan pasta or garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake perfectly.
“Having the right tools on hand makes all the difference in the kitchen, especially when crafting a comforting and delicious chicken parmesan pasta dinner or baked garlic parmesan chicken pasta.”
Preparation Tips for Perfect Results
To make your garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake perfect, start by chopping the chicken into small pieces. This ensures it cooks evenly. Also, thaw frozen broccoli completely and drain any extra water. This step helps avoid a soggy creamy chicken pasta casserole.
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor. It adds a nice spice that goes well with garlic and parmesan. Lastly, make sure all pasta is covered in liquid before baking. This way, your dish will have the perfect texture.
| Servings | Calories per Serving | Approval Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 625 kcal | 5 out of 6 |
By following these tips, you’ll create a delicious garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake everyone will enjoy. Happy cooking!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready to enjoy a delicious baked chicken parmesan pasta dish. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Follow these simple steps to make a tasty one-pot chicken parmesan pasta bake.
Preparing the Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×12-inch baking dish. Then, get all the ingredients ready. You’ll need 1 pound of rotini pasta, 3 cups of cooked chicken, and 2 jars of Alfredo sauce.
Also, grab 1 cup of garlic parmesan sauce, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget to season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Mixing and Layering
- In the baking dish, mix the cooked rotini pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, and garlic parmesan sauce together.
- Make a well in the center and put a block of cream cheese inside.
- Spread mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.
Baking Guidelines
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This will melt the cheese and make it bubbly.
To get a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end. Let the one-pot chicken parmesan pasta cool for a few minutes. Serve it with fresh parsley, if you like. Enjoy this tasty baked chicken parmesan pasta with your loved ones!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Calories per Serving | Servings | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 740 kcal | 4 | 5 out of 5 (1 vote) |
Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
The secret to this garlic chicken pasta casserole is the rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. It coats every bite perfectly. The sauce is made as the pasta cooks, so you don’t need to prepare it separately.
The starch from the pasta, mixed with milk and chicken broth, creates a luscious sauce. This sauce is full of flavor and makes the dish irresistible.
To start, sauté the chicken and season it with Italian herbs and a pinch of salt. As the pasta cooks, the starches thicken the sauce. Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes the sauce even creamier and more indulgent.
- Approximately 1½ cups (150 g) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is used in the sauce.
- The breadcrumb topping, if desired, takes just 2-3 minutes to cook until golden brown and crisp.
- Be sure to cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions to prevent it from becoming overcooked.
The result is a comforting and flavorful garlic chicken pasta casserole perfect for family dinners or cozy nights. The creamy Parmesan sauce brings all the ingredients together. It creates a dish that will satisfy your cravings for a delicious meal.
Tips for Cooking Chicken and Broccoli
Getting the chicken alfredo pasta bake or baked garlic parmesan chicken pasta just right needs some special care. Here are some tips for cooking the chicken and broccoli to get delicious results:
Chicken Preparation Methods
Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small pieces. This makes sure they cook evenly and quickly. If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, add it towards the end to prevent it from drying out.
Broccoli Cooking Techniques
Use fresh broccoli florets for the best taste and texture. But, you can also use frozen broccoli if it’s thawed and drained well. The broccoli will soak up the tasty creamy parmesan sauce as it cooks with the pasta.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Broccoli Florets | 3 cups, fresh or frozen (thawed) |
| Pasta | 8 oz, any short shape |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Flour | 2 tbsp |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup |
| Salt and Pepper | to taste |
By following these tips, you’ll make a tasty chicken alfredo pasta bake or baked garlic parmesan chicken pasta. It’s perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
After enjoying your chicken parmesan pasta dinner or garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake, it’s key to store leftovers right. This keeps the taste and texture just right. Here’s how to store and reheat:
Put leftover chicken parmesan pasta or garlic parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, use the stovetop. This method keeps the sauce together and the pasta creamy.
To freeze, cook pasta, chicken, and broccoli separately. Freeze them for up to 3 months. Then, thaw and mix with fresh parmesan sauce when reheating.
Reheating frozen chicken parmesan pasta or garlic parmesan chicken pasta can be done on the stovetop or in the oven. On the stovetop, heat over medium, stirring often. In the oven, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. If it’s dry, add milk or chicken broth.
By following these easy steps, you can enjoy your chicken parmesan pasta dinner or garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake for days.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
The creamy chicken pasta casserole is very versatile. You can try different pasta shapes or types. For example, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
If you want to change the protein, rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas are good options. Just remember to adjust cooking times for your choice.
Pasta Options
- Whole wheat pasta
- Gluten-free pasta
- Penne or rigatoni
- Linguine or spaghetti
Protein Alternatives
- Rotisserie chicken
- Grilled chicken
- Tofu
- Chickpeas
Changing pasta or protein is easy. Just make sure to adjust cooking times. This way, you can make the creamy chicken pasta casserole or one-pot chicken Parmesan pasta your own.
“The beauty of this recipe is that it’s endlessly customizable. Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes, proteins, and even vegetables to make it your own.”
Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Information
The baked chicken parmesan pasta dish is a great mix of nutrients. It’s made with chicken, pasta, and broccoli. This makes it a satisfying and healthy meal.
One serving has about 560 calories, with 198 from fat. It’s packed with 42 grams of protein from chicken and Parmesan cheese. The whole wheat pasta adds 46 grams of carbs, which is good for fiber and vitamins.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 |
| Calories from Fat | 198 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g |
| Cholesterol | 114mg |
| Sodium | 955mg |
| Potassium | 622mg |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 42g |
| Vitamin A | 645IU |
| Vitamin C | 10mg |
| Calcium | 369mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Using reduced-fat cheese can make the dish healthier. You can also adjust the pasta to control carbs. Garlic in the recipe boosts immunity and fights inflammation. This makes the dish a tasty and nutritious choice for many diets.
Conclusion
The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake with Broccoli is a comforting dish. It has tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich parmesan sauce. It’s easy to make in one pot, perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
The flavors mix well, with savory garlic and parmesan and tender broccoli. You can also customize it with different pasta shapes and proteins. This makes the dish your own.
This bake is great for a hearty meal or as leftovers. It’s a family favorite. Try the garlic parmesan chicken or a chicken alfredo pasta bake for a tasty meal anytime.