Name: Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 300g wholemeal pasta (shells, penne, or similar); 350g broccoli, cut into small florets and thinly sliced stems; 200g chestnut mushrooms, quartered; 2 leeks (approximately 90g each), sliced; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped; 350g boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces; 200g half-fat crème fraiche; 80g mature cheddar cheese, grated; 1 slice of brown bread, crumbed (for topping); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp mixed herbs; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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If you’ve been craving a comforting, wholesome, and utterly satisfying dish, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. It brilliantly combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and wholemeal pasta all swirled together in a luscious, creamy sauce made with half-fat crème fraiche instead of heavy cream. Covered with a golden, cheesy breadcrumb topping, this dish offers the perfect balance of hearty and healthy, making it an instant favorite for any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients for cooking. In the center is a white bowl full of uncooked yellow spiral pasta. Below it, a white bowl holds pieces of raw pink chicken. To the right, there is a white bowl full of grated white cheese, and above it, two bowls contain round white cheese slices and a yellowish powder, possibly cheese or seasoning. To the left, small bowls hold green herbs, olive oil, and red chili flakes. A small white pitcher with white sauce is at the bottom left corner, and a broccoli head sits near the bottom right. A white and gray striped cloth is partially visible at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out natural flavors and wholesome textures, making the final dish nutrient-rich yet bursting with deliciousness.

300g wholemeal pasta: Choose shells or penne for perfect sauce-holding shapes that boost every bite.
350g broccoli: Fresh florets and thinly sliced stems add vibrant color and a tender crunch.
1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a light, fruity note while helping cook the chicken to golden perfection.
350g boneless, skinless chicken breast: Bite-sized pieces offer lean protein and soak up all the wonderful sauce flavors.
200g chestnut mushrooms: Quartered for an earthy, umami-rich addition that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
2 leeks (approx. 90g each): Soft and subtle, they provide a mild sweetness and delicate texture.
1 tsp mixed herbs: A fragrant blend that elevates the overall taste with rustic charm.
200g half-fat crème fraiche: Creamy without heaviness, it creates a lush sauce that keeps things light yet indulgent.
80g mature cheddar, grated: Sharp and melty, this cheese is key for an irresistible topping and cheesy goodness throughout.
1 garlic clove, finely chopped: Adds a subtle kick that awakens the flavors gently.
1 slice brown bread, crumbed: Provides a crunchy, golden crust that makes every spoonful delightful.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 190°C. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in the wholemeal pasta, stir it gently to prevent sticking, and cook for about 6 minutes. Then add the fresh broccoli florets and sliced stems straight into the pot with the pasta, letting them cook together for 7 to 8 minutes until the pasta is just al dente and the broccoli is tender but still vibrant. Drain everything well and return it to the pot, ready to mingle with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof pan over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, cooking them until they’re lightly golden on all sides. This develops a wonderful flavor foundation. Next, add the quartered mushrooms, chopped leeks, and sprinkle over the mixed herbs. Cover with a lid and let those veggies sweat down nicely for around 5 minutes, softening them and releasing their inherent sweetness.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the half-fat crème fraiche along with two-thirds of the grated mature cheddar. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce creating a rich, velvety coating that clings beautifully to everything.

Step 4: Combine and Season

Now, fold in the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the creamy chicken mixture. Stir everything evenly so the sauce envelopes the pasta and veggies. Season thoughtfully with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, making sure every bite will be perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer this harmonious mixture into a suitable ovenproof dish. Sprinkle over the finely crumbed brown bread and the remaining grated cheddar to create a crunchy, golden topping. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is crispy and browned, while the inside bubbles with cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

This image shows a white oval baking dish with blue handles filled with baked spiral pasta mixed with green leafy vegetables. The pasta is coated in a red sauce and topped with melted white cheese and sprinkled with shredded cheese and small green basil leaves. The edges of the cheese are lightly browned. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with fresh basil leaves, a small white bowl of olive oil, and a small clear bowl of bright red cherry tomatoes beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh, colorful finish to your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe, scatter some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives right before serving. A light dusting of freshly grated parmesan can add another layer of cheesiness that’s just divine.

Side Dishes

This bake shines as a heart-healthy all-in-one, but can be beautifully complemented by a crisp side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette. Alternatively, serve with some garlic bread for a comforting carb echo that will have everyone licking their plates.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated presentation, consider serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs before baking. This makes for cute, personalized servings perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in. You can also drizzle a little pesto on top for a pop of vibrant color and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe tastes fantastic the next day. Allow it to cool fully, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors develop even more, making your next meal just as satisfying.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. For best results, freeze before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Or, freeze fully baked leftovers and reheat gently when needed. Either way, you’ve got a delicious, ready-made meal waiting for you.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If frozen, allow extra time for thawing and reheating. Microwaving works too for quick lunches, but the oven preserves that wonderful crispy topping perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! While wholemeal shells or penne work wonderfully here, you can swap in fusilli, rigatoni, or any short pasta you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust cooking times so the pasta remains firm enough for baking.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, for a dairy-free variation, substitute the crème fraiche with a plant-based creamy alternative and use a vegan cheese substitute. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy texture and cheesy topping without dairy.

Can I add other vegetables to the bake?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for added colors and nutrients. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep everything tender but not soggy.

What makes crème fraiche a better choice than cream in this recipe?

Crème fraiche is lighter and tangier than heavy cream, which adds a subtle depth of flavor and helps cut through the richness, making the dish feel less heavy but still creamy and indulgent.

How do I know when the pasta bake is done?

The bake is ready when the topping is nicely golden and crispy, and you can see the sauce bubbling around the edges. The pasta inside should be tender but still firm to the bite, offering the perfect texture balance.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dinners for weeknights and gatherings alike. It’s that comforting blend of creamy, cheesy, and veggie-packed goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I genuinely hope you try it soon — I’m sure it will win a permanent spot in your recipe collection, just like it has in mine!

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