Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting family dinner packed with creamy flavours and crunchy textures. Tender chicken and broccoli combine beautifully with a thick cheese sauce, while the grilled topping adds a delicious golden finish. The layers of lasagna sheets make this pasta bake feel hearty, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings Portions

Ingredients

3 large chicken breasts diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion finely diced
2 cloves garlic crushed
1 large broccoli cut into small florets
250 g pasta such as penne or fusilli
8 sheets lasagna
50 g butter
50 g plain flour
700 ml milk
1 tsp Dijon mustard
200 g cheddar cheese mature grated
100 g mozzarella cheese grated
40 g parmesan cheese grated
1 tsp paprika
salt to taste
black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 190°C fan. Lightly grease a large ovenproof baking dish.
Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta until just tender. Add the broccoli florets for the final 3 minutes of cooking time. Drain well and set aside.
250 g pasta, 1 large broccoli
Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
1 tbsp olive oil, 3 large chicken breasts
Add the diced onion to the pan. Cook for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and paprika, then cook for another minute.
1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp paprika
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk well for 1 minute to create a smooth paste.
50 g butter, 50 g plain flour
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
700 ml milk
Stir in the Dijon mustard along with half the cheddar, half the mozzarella, and half the parmesan. Season with salt and black pepper.
1 tsp Dijon mustard, 200 g cheddar cheese, 100 g mozzarella cheese, 40 g parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper
Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the base of the baking dish. Spoon the cheesy chicken and broccoli mixture on top.
8 sheets lasagna
Finish with another layer of lasagna sheets across the top of the dish.
Scatter the remaining cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until bubbling and hot throughout.
Place the dish under a hot grill for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and crisp around the edges.
Leave the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle over chopped parsley just before bringing it to the table.

Equipment

Nutrition