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+ servings

One Pan Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake

A creamy, cheesy one-pan chicken broccoli cheddar pasta bake made with real ingredients and minimal effort.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Pasta, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups small shaped pasta (like shells or macaroni)
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese extra for more cheddar flavor
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions, but remove it 1 minute before the suggested al dente time. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the broccoli florets. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until just no longer pink on the outside, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Add the cream cheese cubes and stir until mostly melted and smooth (small specks are okay). Stir in 3/4 cup of the mozzarella and the cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Turn off the heat. Gently fold the cooked pasta and broccoli into the sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish if your skillet isn't oven-safe. Cover tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella and the Parmesan over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 34gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella.
To make ahead, assemble the dish without the final cheese topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to the covered bake time.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days; reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
If you prefer a more pronounced cheddar flavor, substitute all the mozzarella with sharp cheddar (use 1 1/2 cups total).
Avoid overcooking the pasta initially, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

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