Ultra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Ultra Lazy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Recipe video above. One for all those busy nights - a complete HEALTHY meal all made in one baking dish. 5 minutes prep, pop it in the oven, then out comes perfectly cooked chicken and broccoli pasta bake smothered in a creamy sauce. Serves 4 - 5.

Ingredients

1. 300 - 400 g / 10 - 14oz chicken tenderloin (raw) , breast or thigh, cut into 1.5cm / 3/5" pieces
2. Salt and pepper
3. 1 tsp dried thyme (or other herbs and/or spices of choice)
4. 250 g / 8 oz spiral pasta, uncooked (See Note 1 for other shapes)
5. 1 1/2 cups / 375 ml chicken broth/stock , preferably warmed
6. 2 cups / 500 ml milk , preferably warmed (any fat %)
7. 1 large garlic clove , minced
8. 1 - 2 tbsp /15 - 30g butter (optional)
9. 1 large broccoli or 2 medium broccoli or cauliflower , broken into small to medium florets (Note 2 for subs)
10. 100 - 150 g / 1 - 1.5 cups shredded cheese , any melting type (Note 3)
11. 1/4 cup / 35g flour (all purpose / plain)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200C/390F (standard) or 180C/350F (fan forced / convection).
2. Sprinkle chicken with salt (be generous), pepper and thyme, toss to coat.
3. Spread pasta in a baking dish. Sprinkle over flour.
4. Pour over milk and broth, add garlic and butter. Stir.
5. Spread chicken over the top, then broccoli.
6. Cover with foil, bake for 15 minutes (or 20 minutes if milk & broth were cold).
7. Remove foil, STIR WELL. Add most of the cheese, then STIR WELL again. Top with remaining cheese.
8. Return to oven. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes until top is golden and sauce is thickened (See note 4 for troubleshooting).
9. Stand for a few minutes then serve immediately!

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