Kid-Friendly Chicken and Veggie Pasta Bake
A vibrant, cheesy pasta dish loaded with chicken, broccoli, and carrots, designed to please even the pickiest eaters. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 60 minutes pairs cubed chicken breast, florets broccoli, grated carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cubed chicken breast
- 2 cups, florets broccoli
- 1.5 cups, grated carrots
- 12 oz, penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups, grated cheddar cheese
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil 12 oz pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in 1.5 lbs cubed chicken breast, 2 cups broccoli florets, and 1.5 cups grated carrots. Cook for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken-vegetable mixture, 1 cup milk, 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Step 4: Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kid-Friendly Chicken and Veggie Pasta Bake take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Kid-Friendly Chicken and Veggie Pasta Bake?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cubed chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Kid-Friendly Chicken and Veggie Pasta Bake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Kid-Friendly Chicken and Veggie Pasta Bake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Kid-Friendly Chicken and Veggie Pasta Bake?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
