Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
- Recipe Introduction
- The Secret's in the Cheese
- Hiding The Good Stuff: Broccoli Power
- Chicken and Broccoli Recipes: A Match Made in Heaven
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake: Cooking Method
- Recipe Notes: Making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Your Own!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to get your kids to eat their veggies? Our Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake is the answer.
It's pure comfort food, packed with hidden goodness and a flavour that even the fussiest eaters will love.
Brief Overview
Originating as a clever way to get kids to eat more greens. This easy family dinner recipe takes just 50 minutes. It yields 6 servings, perfect for a hungry family.
Main Benefits
This dish is packed with protein and fiber. It's great for quick weeknight meals for kids . What makes it special? It is the ultimate comfort food for children that's secretly good for them.
The Secret's in the Cheese
Let's be honest, who doesn't love a good cheese pull? This baked pasta dish for kids is all about that gooey, cheesy goodness.
I remember when I first made this for my little monsters.
Hiding The Good Stuff: Broccoli Power
Broccoli is the unsung hero here. We are talking about Hidden Veggie Recipes for Kids . Finely chopped and smothered in cheese sauce, the kids won't even notice they are eating it.
It's a sneaky way to add a dose of vitamins and fiber to their diet.
Chicken and Broccoli Recipes: A Match Made in Heaven
This cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake combines the perfect balance of protein and vegetable packed dinner ideas . Seriously, who can resist tender chicken and a creamy sauce? I like to use chicken breast and cut it into small pieces so that it cooks quickly.
Ready to get started? Let's gather our ingredients for this kid friendly pasta recipes . This recipe is so good, it will become a staple in your family meal plan ideas .
Right, let's talk grub! This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake is a proper winner. It is one of easy family dinner recipes .
It's comfort food, pure and simple, and sneakily packed with vegetable packed dinner ideas . Plus, it makes killer leftovers.
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, let's gather what you'll need for this kid friendly dinners . Don't worry, it's nothing too fancy! I promise, even your nan could whip this up.
Main Ingredients
Here's the breakdown of what you need to make this cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake a success:
- Pasta: 500g (1 lb 2 oz) of your favourite pasta shape. Penne, fusilli, or macaroni are spot on .
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Nothing too fancy.
- Chicken: 500g (1 lb 2 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut into 2cm (3/4 inch) cubes. Fresh chicken should be pink and firm. Avoid anything that smells off.
- Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Broccoli: 1 large head, cut into small florets.
- Chicken Stock: 500ml (2 cups) .
- Milk: 250ml (1 cup) .
- Butter: 50g (1/4 cup) .
- All-Purpose Flour: 50g (1/4 cup) .
- Cheddar Cheese: 200g (1 3/4 cups) grated, divided.
- Parmesan Cheese: 50g (1/2 cup) grated.
- Thyme: 1 tsp dried thyme.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Seasoning Notes
Honestly, this is where you can get creative.
- Essential spice combinations : Thyme is a must! Adds a bit of earthiness.
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics : A bay leaf simmered in the sauce adds depth.
- Quick substitution options : Italian seasoning works instead of thyme if you're in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
Right, here's what you'll need. It's all pretty standard stuff.
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Large skillet: Or frying pan. Essential for cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Baking dish: A 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish is ideal.
- Alternatives: Use two smaller baking dishes if you don't have one big one.
And there you have it!. With this family meal plan ideas , you are set. Time to get cooking.
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake: Cooking Method
Right then, let's dive into how to make this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake: A Veggie Packed Winner ! It’s one of those easy family dinner recipes that even the kids will gobble up, honestly.
It’s like a hug in a bowl, proper comfort food for children. My nan used to say, "A full belly is a happy heart," and this definitely hits the spot.
I've adapted this recipe over the years, adding sneaky veggies where I can, so it's a winner for getting hidden veggie recipes for kids in!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place , as they say in fancy cookery schools. Basically, get everything ready! Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the broccoli into little trees.
It's about 20 minutes prep time . It makes the whole cooking process smoother, trust me. Plus, it's a great way to get the kids involved in age-appropriate tasks! Always remind little ones, safety first! Keep those little fingers away from sharp knives.
step-by-step: From Hob to Oven
- Get that oven preheating to 180° C ( 350° F) . Don't forget to grease the baking dish.
- Boil 500g of pasta until al dente . We don't want mushy pasta here, yeah?
- Sauté 500g of cubed chicken until it hits a safe internal temp of 74° C ( 165° F) . Nobody wants dodgy chicken!
- Cook onion, garlic, and broccoli until broccoli is a bit tender.
- Make your cheesy sauce! Melt 50g butter, whisk in 50g flour, then slowly add 500ml chicken stock and 250ml milk. Stir until it thickens.
- Stir in 150g cheddar and 50g parmesan until melted and smooth. Season to taste.
- Mix the pasta, chicken, and broccoli into the cheesy sauce.
- Pop it all into the baking dish, top with the remaining cheddar, and bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips: Chef Level Secrets
Want to elevate your bake? For a real Quick Weeknight Meals for Kids , cook the chicken the day before.
Seriously shaves off loads of time. Another tip? Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente is key. If the cheese isn’t browning enough, a quick blast under the broiler for the last minute or two will do the trick.
Just watch it like a hawk to avoid burning! This is one of those baked pasta dishes for kids that always gets cleaned plates.
Thinking ahead, you could totally prep this the night before! Just assemble everything but don’t bake it until you’re ready to eat.
Recipe Notes: Making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Your Own!
Right, so you're ready to whip up this cracking Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake . Ace! But, before you do, let’s have a quick natter about a few things to keep in mind to make it utterly brilliant , even more kid friendly dinners , and just you .
Serving Suggestions: Posh it Up!
Okay, nobody wants a boring plate. I reckon this baked pasta dish looks fab served straight from the dish all bubbly and golden.
Bit of chopped parsley on top makes it look proper fancy. For a simple side, a green salad does the trick.
Wanna go all out? Garlic bread is always a winner. Honestly, who can say no to garlic bread? Steamed green beans are also a great shout.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Leftovers? Lucky you! This Comfort Food for Children keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop it in an airtight container.
To reheat, stick it in the oven at 175° C ( 350° F) until warmed through, or microwave it if you’re in a rush.
Freezing? It works! Just wrap it well. Defrost fully before reheating.
Variations: Get Creative!
Fancy a change? Ditch the chicken for extra veggies. Mushrooms and peppers work a treat. To make it vegetarian, just leave out the chicken altogether.
For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. gluten-free? Swap the pasta and flour for gluten-free versions.
Boom! Sorted!
Nutrition Basics: Sneaking in Goodness.
Right, so this vegetable packed dinner idea isn't just tasty, it's actually pretty good for you. Loads of protein from the chicken, plus fibre from the pasta and broccoli.
Sneaking veggies into kid friendly pasta recipes is a game changer. We're looking at roughly 550 calories per serving, but remember, this is just a rough idea.
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know to make this Chicken and Broccoli Recipes absolutely spot on.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, have a laugh, and get the kids involved. After all, cooking should be fun! Now go on, get in that kitchen and make some magic happen.
Remember it all comes down to easy family meal plan ideas and delicious food. Enjoy this addition to our easy family dinner recipes !
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake really kid friendly? My little one is a notoriously picky eater!
Absolutely! This recipe is designed with fussy eaters in mind. The creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and familiar pasta shapes are a winning combination. Plus, the broccoli is finely chopped, making it less noticeable for veggie averse children.
It's a fantastic way to sneak some extra nutrients into their diets without the usual dinner table drama. This should be included in any list of recipes for kid friendly dinners.
Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time? I'm a busy parent, and weeknight dinners need to be quick!
You bet! You can assemble the entire pasta bake (up to the baking step) and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
This makes it perfect for those hectic school nights when you need a reliable, homemade meal on the table fast. It's as simple as preheating the oven and popping it in, Bob's your uncle!
My child has allergies. Are there any substitutions I can make to this cheesy chicken & broccoli pasta bake?
Definitely! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the sauce. You can also substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.
For dairy allergies, consider using a dairy-free cheese alternative; just be aware the melt might not be quite as good as traditional cheese. Always double check all ingredient labels to ensure they meet your child's specific dietary needs.
How do I store leftovers of this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake? And how long will they last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave until piping hot throughout. Ensure it's not sitting on the side for too long at room temperature before refrigerating to avoid any food safety issues.
Just like a proper Sunday roast, though, it's best enjoyed fresh!
Can I freeze the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this bake. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or placing it in a freezer safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed.
It is super helpful for make-ahead kid friendly dinners!
What other veggies can I sneak into this pasta bake? My kids need more greens!
You're a legend for trying to get those greens in! Finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers work wonderfully. You can also add some spinach or kale to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking; it will wilt down and be less noticeable.
Just remember to chop everything small so it blends in nicely and doesn't alarm your mini food critics!
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
