Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rigatoni Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines creamy pasta, juicy chicken, and cheesy goodness in one comforting casserole. The broccoli adds freshness and texture while the blend of cheeses creates a rich and flavorful sauce.

I also like that this bake is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends because it reheats beautifully and fills the kitchen with amazing aromas.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken

400g chicken breast
1 teaspoon chicken seasoning
1 teaspoon onion granules
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Cheese Sauce

100g butter
75g flour
900ml to 1000ml milk
175g cheddar cheese
175g gouda cheese
125g mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon parsley
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Additional Ingredients

200g broccoli, roughly chopped
100g cheddar cheese, for topping
300g rigatoni pasta

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

First, I dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

I season the chicken with chicken seasoning, onion granules, smoked paprika, salt, and dried rosemary.

Next, I heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Once done, I remove the chicken from the heat and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions.

During the last 2 minutes of cooking, I add the chopped broccoli to the same pot.

Then, I drain everything and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, I melt the butter and sauté the chopped garlic for about 1 minute.

I stir in the flour and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring continuously until lightly golden.

Gradually, I pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

As the sauce thickens, I add the onion powder, paprika, and parsley.

Then, I stir in the cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

I preheat the oven to 180°C fan (200°C conventional).

In a large bowl, I combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce, mixing everything together well.

I transfer the mixture into an ovenproof baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

I bake the pasta for about 25 minutes until the top becomes golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy.

Finally, I let the bake cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

I like adding mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture. Sometimes I also mix in chili flakes for a little heat.

For a different protein option, I can swap the chicken for turkey, bacon, or even cooked sausage.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, I warm the pasta bake in the oven until heated through or microwave individual portions in short intervals. I sometimes add a splash of milk before reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, I can use penne, fusilli, macaroni, or any short pasta shape.

What cheeses work best in this recipe?

I like combining cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella for flavor and meltiness, but I can also use Monterey Jack or parmesan.

Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?

Yes, I can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. I simply thaw it slightly or add it directly during the pasta cooking stage.

How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?

I whisk the milk gradually into the flour mixture and stir continuously while adding the cheese.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rigatoni Bake is one of my favorite comfort meals because it combines creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, pasta, and broccoli into one hearty and satisfying dish. I love how the golden baked topping and rich cheesy flavor make this casserole perfect for cozy dinners and sharing with family.

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