Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
User Reviews
5
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Description
In this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake, cooked penne is tossed with raw chicken pieces, broccoli florets, pesto, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese before being transferred to a baking dish. The creaminess of the Alfredo sauce and the herbaceous notes from the pesto combine to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. Baking the casserole melts the cheese inside and crisps up the Ritz cracker and Parmesan topping to add a delicate crunch.
The broccoli adds a contrasting texture and a mild vegetal flavor while providing some balance to the richness of the cheeses and sauces. The chicken cooks fully while baking, absorbing the flavors from the sauce. This dish suits serving as a one-pan meal for lunch or dinner, paired with a green salad for freshness if desired.
The use of two cheeses gives both a stretchy melt and sharp topping, and the Ritz cracker crumbs create a buttery crust contrast. Baking uncovered helps achieve a nicely browned topping and slightly dried edges.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken breast , chopped (raw)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 3 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese divided, grated
- 20 Ritz crackers , crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water 2 minutes less than the box says.
- In a large bowl mix the chicken, broccoli, pasta, pesto sauce, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese.
- Pour into the baking dish.
- Mix the Ritz cracker crumbs and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle over the pasta mixture.
- Bake, uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 343 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 343kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 797mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 211mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 445IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 157mg | 16% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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