The Golden Baked Penne with Chicken, Broccoli, and Mozzarella Recipe

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful baked penne with chicken, broccoli, and mozzarella that promises to revolutionize weeknight dinners.

Hearty ingredients mingle beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among pasta tubes, while vibrant green broccoli adds nutritious crunch.

Melted mozzarella blankets each bite with creamy richness that feels indulgent yet balanced.

We’ve crafted a dish that speaks directly to anyone seeking a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.

Cheese lovers and veggie enthusiasts will find themselves drawn to this irresistible combination.

Prepare to savor every single forkful of this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Why Baked Penne with Chicken, Broccoli, and Mozzarella Satisfies Every Time

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and calcium from mozzarella, this one-pot wonder delivers a balanced meal that keeps everyone satisfied.
• Master One-Pot Magic: Streamline your cooking process with a single-pot technique that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and crisp broccoli, this baked penne offers a crowd-pleasing twist on classic pasta dishes that appeals to all ages.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe a versatile go-to for personalized dining experiences.

What Goes Into This Cheesy, Comforting Casserole

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that captures sauce perfectly and provides a hearty base for the dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substantial flavor and nutrition to the baked pasta.
• Broccoli: Bright green vegetable that brings a nutritious and fresh element to the creamy pasta.
• Mozzarella: Soft, melty cheese that creates a deliciously gooey texture throughout the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds depth and provides a savory foundation for the sauce.
• Thyme: Herb that adds a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor to the overall dish.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquid ingredients that create a rich and creamy sauce for the pasta.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated tomato pieces that provide a tangy and intense flavor contrast.
• Bread Crumbs: Crunchy topping that adds texture and a golden-brown finish to the baked dish.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and adds a smooth, rich flavor.
• Flour, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning and thickening agents for developing the sauce's consistency.

How to Make Baked Penne That’s Loaded with Flavor

Step 1: Get the Oven Ready

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in the broccoli and cook for just a minute until it turns a vibrant green.

Scoop out the broccoli and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Return the water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until it’s almost done (slightly firmer than usual).

Drain the pasta and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Chopped onions

Cook until the onions become soft and start to caramelize, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

Stir in garlic and thyme, letting them dance around the pot for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce Base

• Flour
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir constantly for a minute. Slowly pour in chicken broth and cream, whisking to create a smooth sauce.

Let it simmer gently.

Step 7: Cook the Chicken

Add chicken to the sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s completely cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 8: Combine All the Goodies

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Mozzarella cheese

Fold in the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli, making sure everything is well coated.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle bread crumbs on top for a crunchy finish. Bake in the preheated oven until the top turns golden and the edges are bubbling, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish cool for a few minutes, then dive into this comforting, cheesy pasta bake that’s packed with flavor and goodness.

Tips for Creamy Sauce and Even Baking

• Blanch broccoli briefly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture, preventing overcooking during the baking process.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a quick and convenient protein option that saves preparation time.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or fontina to add unique flavor dimensions to the dish.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free penne and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for enhanced taste and convenience.

Recipe Combos That Transform This Pasta Classic

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu, add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a plant-based protein boost.
• Seafood Sensation: Swap chicken with shrimp or crab meat, use white wine instead of chicken broth for a rich, oceanic flavor profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate chorizo sausage, add red pepper flakes, use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and sprinkle with fresh oregano for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free pasta, replace wheat flour with cornstarch, and swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a celiac-friendly adaptation.

What to Serve with This Baked Pasta Dish

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy chicken and bright broccoli flavors, cutting through the richness of the dish.
• Create Fresh Herb Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to balance the hearty pasta and provide a zesty counterpoint to the baked dish.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the baked penne to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Choose Sparkling Water with Citrus: Add a slice of lemon or lime to sparkling water for a refreshing drink that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, cheesy pasta.

How to Store and Reheat Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheating in Oven: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the bread crumb topping.

FAQs for Pasta-Lovers and Meal-Preppers

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or mostaccioli. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the sauce and mix well with other ingredients.

• Is it okay to use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Thaw and drain frozen broccoli completely before adding to the recipe. Pat dry to remove excess moisture to prevent the dish from becoming watery.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the recipe’s flavor profile.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Baked Penne with Chicken, Broccoli, and Mozzarella Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Baked Penne with Chicken delights pasta enthusiasts with its perfect blend of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and melted mozzarella. Comfort meets culinary excellence in this hearty dish that promises warm satisfaction with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 ounces smoked mozzarella (or regular mozzarella)

Starches and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1.5 pounds broccoli
• 1 medium onion
• 6 garlic cloves
• 8-ounce jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Topping:

• ¾ cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease.
2. Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and blanch broccoli for 1 minute until vibrant green. Remove and set aside.
3. Reboil the water and cook pasta until slightly undercooked, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and toss with olive oil.
4. In the same pot, sauté onions over medium heat until softened and developing golden edges, approximately 5 minutes.
5. Incorporate garlic and thyme, stirring until aromatic, roughly 30 seconds.
6. Sprinkle flour, salt, and pepper into the pot, whisking continuously for 1 minute. Gradually introduce chicken broth and cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Add chicken and cook, stirring periodically, until completely done, around 6-7 minutes.
8. Fold in sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella, then gently mix with cooked pasta and broccoli until evenly distributed.
9. Transfer the creamy mixture to the prepared baking dish, scatter bread crumb topping evenly across the surface.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with savory promise.

Notes

• Prep Broccoli Perfectly by blanching quickly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture without overcooking.
• Choose Chicken Wisely by using boneless, skinless breasts or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for faster preparation and consistent tenderness.
• Customize Cheese Options by substituting mozzarella with provolone or fontina for different flavor profiles and creamy textures.
• Make It Gluten-Free by replacing regular pasta with gluten-free penne and using cornstarch instead of wheat flour for the sauce thickening.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg