Easy Pasta Delight
Easy Pasta Delight is a comforting dump-and-bake casserole featuring tender chicken, broccoli, pasta, and a creamy cheddar sauce.
Easy Pasta Delight is the perfect comforting meal for busy weeknights! This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, hearty rice, and gooey melted cheese for a flavor-packed casserole that the whole family will love. It’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you need something quick, filling, and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights. This Easy Pasta Delight is great for those busy nights when you want a hot meal but you don’t have much time to throw it together. It’s basically a dump-and-bake meal – and the best part is your whole family will love it!
- Rich and Creamy. While other pasta dishes can end up dry after you bake them, this recipe has a rich, cheesy sauce that beautifully coats the pasta and veggies! Not a dry bite in sight!
Ingredients for Easy Pasta Delight
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta: Your choice of penne or rotini pasta will provide the hearty base for this dish.
- Chicken Breast: Diced chicken breast adds protein and flavor; rotisserie chicken is also a great alternative.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets help to incorporate veggies into this pasta delight.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creates a creamy base for the dish, making it rich and savory.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese gives a gooey texture that melts perfectly on top.
- Garlic Powder: This adds a fragrant aroma and enhances the flavor profile.
- Onion Powder: A simple, convenient way to add onion flavor without chopping.
How to Make Easy Pasta Delight
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
- Boil water in a large pot, and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked pasta, diced chicken, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish and level the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously atop the mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving; this will help set the casserole and enhance flavors.
Tips for Making Easy Pasta Delight
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, aim for al dente for the best texture.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheese varieties or use a cheese blend for extra flavor.
- You can easily sneak in any veggies you have on hand, such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach!
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the entire casserole the day before, but don’t bake it. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- When ready to bake, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Easy Pasta Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Easy Pasta Delight
- To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating Easy Pasta Delight
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil, and heat for 25-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- You can also microwave individual servings for about 2-3 minutes until hot, stirring halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread
- Caesar Salad
- Homemade Herb Dip
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
It is best to use cooked chicken for this dish, but you can thaw it out and then cook it in the casserole.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne, rotini, or similar types of pasta work best because they hold up well in a bake.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth with the cream of mushroom soup while adding extra veggies.
Can I add more spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs and spices that suit your taste, such as thyme or oregano.
Is this a gluten-free option?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free.
Try these recipes next!
Easy Chicken Pot Pie
30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pasta Bake
The Easiest Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- Pasta (penne or rotini) cooked to al dente
- Chicken breast, diced (or rotisserie chicken)
- Broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat and grease
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
Cook pasta
Boil water and cook pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, diced chicken, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Assemble
Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
Add cheese and bake
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
Let stand for a few minutes before serving to set the casserole.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, aim for al dente for the best texture.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheese varieties or use a cheese blend for extra flavor.
- You can easily sneak in any veggies you have on hand, such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach!
Nutrition Facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use any pasta for Easy Pasta Delight?
Yes. Penne or rotini work well, but any short pasta will do.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free.
Can I use cooked chicken or leftovers?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken leftovers work great.
How long should I bake the casserole?
Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
