🍗 Family Night Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce — a hearty family favorite perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cups dry small-shaped pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4–1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Cook pasta & broccoli: Following package directions, cook pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Stir in broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear chicken: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned.
4. Make sauce: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Mix in 3/4 cup mozzarella and stir until melted and sauce slightly thickens.
5. Combine: Turn off heat and gently toss in pasta and broccoli.
6. Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15 minutes. Remove foil, top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake uncovered for another 3 minutes until cheese melts.
7. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes