One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake
A creamy pasta bake loaded with tender chicken pieces and bright green broccoli, topped with melted cheese - a simple, kid-approved dinner. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 45 minutes pairs penne pasta, fresh broccoli florets, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb, diced into 1/2-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 12 oz penne pasta in boiling salted water for 7 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb diced chicken breast and sauté for 5-6 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden. Add 2 cups fresh broccoli florets and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 2 more minutes until broccoli is bright green and fragrant.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over chicken and broccoli, stirring constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in 2 cups milk, cooking for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning until cheese melts into the sauce. Add cooked pasta and mix well.
- Step 5: Transfer skillet to oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken 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 One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake?
Italian 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.
