Name: Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 ¼ cups half and half; ½ chicken bouillon cube; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon parsley; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon garlic salt; 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast; Salt and Pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ cup dry white wine; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; ½ lb. fusilli pasta; 3-4 cups broccoli florets; 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup crispy fried onions

Ingredients

1 ½ cups chicken broth

1 ¼ cups half and half

½ chicken bouillon cube

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon oregano

½ teaspoon parsley

¼ teaspoon paprika

¼ teaspoon garlic salt

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ cup dry white wine

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

½ lb. fusilli pasta

3-4 cups broccoli florets

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

3 cups cheddar cheese, divided

1 cup crispy fried onions

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Step 2: Combine chicken broth, half and half, chicken bouillon cube, hot sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, oregano, parsley, paprika, and garlic salt in a large measuring cup with a spout. Set aside and measure out remaining ingredients.

Step 3: Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and pat dry. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli pasta for 1 minute less than package instructions. Add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and broccoli together.

Step 6: In the same skillet used for chicken, add white wine and set heat to medium. Scrape the bottom and sides with a spatula to loosen browned bits. Simmer until wine has reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7: Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, then stir in flour and cook continuously for 2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 8: Gradually add the sauce mixture from step 2 in small splashes while stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

Step 9: Slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and half of the cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and combined.

Step 10: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce, stirring to combine evenly.

Step 11: Return the cooked chicken and any juices from the plate to the skillet. Stir to combine everything well.

Step 12: Remove from heat. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.

Step 13: Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 14: Remove the foil, sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top, and bake uncovered for 8-10 more minutes. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use cooked rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to save time.

Swap fusilli for penne or rotini if preferred.

For a spicier version, add extra hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Substitute the half and half with whole milk or cream for a lighter or richer sauce.

Try adding mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350° F until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. The crispy fried onions may soften after refrigeration, so you can add fresh ones before reheating for extra crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it to the boiling pasta water for the last 4 minutes just like fresh broccoli. Just be sure to drain well to avoid extra moisture.

What type of white wine is best for the sauce?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal for this recipe. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional chicken broth, though the sauce may have a slightly different flavor.