Ultra Lazy HEALTHY Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
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Want a tasty meal without the fuss? This Ultra Lazy HEALTHY Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is perfect for you! It takes just 5 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook, giving you a complete meal in under an hour.
You’ll love how easy this dish is. Just toss raw chicken, uncooked pasta, broccoli, and a few other ingredients into a baking dish. Pop it in the oven and let it work its magic. The result? A creamy, cheesy pasta bake that’s both delicious and good for you.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy chicken and broccoli pasta bake:
- 14 oz raw chicken tenderloin, cut into small pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 8 oz uncooked spiral pasta
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm chicken broth
- 2 cups warm milk (any fat content)
- 1 large minced garlic clove
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
The recipe is very flexible. You can swap the chicken for turkey or use cauliflower instead of broccoli. Any shape of pasta works well too.
Make sure to warm the broth and milk before adding them. This helps the dish cook faster and more evenly.
The butter adds richness but you can leave it out to make the dish even healthier. Use your favorite melting cheese – cheddar, colby, or a pizza blend all taste great.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 390°F. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
Spread pasta in a 9×13″ baking dish. Sprinkle flour evenly over the pasta. Don’t clump it, or it won’t mix in. Pour warm milk and broth over the pasta. Add minced garlic and butter. Stir to combine.
Put the chicken on top of the pasta. Add broccoli florets on top of the chicken.
Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 15 minutes if your liquids were warm, or 20 minutes if they were cold.
Take the dish out and stir everything well. Mix in most of the cheese. Sprinkle the rest on top.
Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes. The top should be golden and the sauce thick.
Let it sit for a few minutes before you serve. Enjoy your easy, one-pan meal!
Possible Substitutes List
You can easily swap out ingredients in this recipe to fit your needs. Here are some tasty options:
Pasta:
- Penne
- Fusilli
- Rotini
- Bow-tie
Protein:
- Chopped turkey breast
- Cubed tofu
- Canned tuna
- Sliced sausage
Veggies:
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Peas
- Green beans
Cheese:
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Swiss
- Gouda
Don’t have chicken broth? Use veggie stock or even water with a splash of white wine.
No fresh garlic? Try 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
You can also play with the spices. Swap the thyme for:
- Italian seasoning
- Herbes de Provence
- Cajun spice blend
Feel free to mix and match these subs to create your own unique dish!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this dish more diabetes-friendly, you can make a few simple swaps. Try using whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. This will add more fiber and slow down the digestion of carbs.
Cut back on the amount of pasta and add more broccoli or other low-carb veggies. This lowers the overall carb count while keeping you full.
Choose low-fat milk and cheese to reduce saturated fat. You can also use less cheese overall.
Here are some other tips:
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs for leaner protein
- Skip the butter to cut down on fat
- Add extra spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for flavor without calories
When serving, stick to smaller portions and pair with a side salad. This helps control your carb intake at the meal.
Remember to check your blood sugar before and after trying this modified recipe. Everyone responds differently to foods, so see how it affects you.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For best results, warm the milk and broth before adding them to the dish. This helps the pasta cook more evenly.
Don’t forget to stir well after the first bake and when adding cheese. This ensures the sauce thickens properly and coats everything nicely.
You can swap the broccoli for cauliflower or other veggies you like. Frozen veggies work too – just add them straight from the freezer.
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot throughout.
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the cheese before the final bake. This adds a nice texture contrast.
If you prefer a thinner sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth or milk. For a thicker sauce, use a bit more flour.
Short on time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken. Just add it when you stir in the cheese.