Creamy lemon chicken and broccoli pasta bake is a meal that you will want to make again and again. Creamy cheese sauce, chicken, broccoli, lemon and pasta are combined in a casserole dish to create the best comfort food. Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this dish comes together easily and then cooks in the oven in less than 20 minutes. Prepare a homemade meal that the entire family will love!
Cook the chicken while the pasta and broccoli are cooking. Then prepare the creamy cheese sauce — ready in only a few minutes. Once the pasta and broccoli are done cooking, layer in a casserole dish, then top with the cooked chicken, mozzarella cheese and lemon juice. The fresh lemon zest and juice add the best flavor to this dish and perfectly complement the chicken and broccoli.
Creamy lemon chicken and broccoli pasta bake
Prep time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serves: 5 to 6
Ingredients8 ounces rotini pasta
10 ounces broccoli florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Zest and juice from one lemon
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil a 9-by-9-inch baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
2. Add olive oil to a nonstick skillet. Add the chicken and cook until cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side; set aside.
3. In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli; drain well.
4. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in heavy cream. Cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until slightly thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest and whisk to combine. Remove from heat.
5. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the prepared baking dish and layer with chicken and sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and drizzle with lemon juice. Bake in the oven until bubbly and heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley, as desired. Serve immediately.
Make dinner stress-free by preparing this flavorful meal packed with cheesy goodness and the freshest ingredients. Go ahead, dig in!
