Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting, baked casserole-style dish featuring tender chicken, broccoli florets, and pasta (often penne or fusilli) enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, typically topped with melted mozzarella or Parmesan. It's a popular home-cooked meal in Western cuisine, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom, often considered a hearty weeknight dinner or potluck favorite.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the creamy sauce and cheese, while also providing a good amount of protein from the chicken. It offers key nutrients like calcium, vitamin C (from broccoli), and B vitamins, with a rough calorie ballpark of 500-700 calories per serving, depending on portion size and recipe variations.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Calcium | 220 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 480 mg |
| Vitamin A | 85 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 45 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.8 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 310 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
What makes this dish culturally interesting is its role as a modern, adaptable comfort food that blends Italian pasta traditions with American casserole convenience, often customized with local cheeses or added vegetables. Nutritionally, it highlights the balance of indulgence and sustenance, where the broccoli adds fiber and vitamins to an otherwise rich base, making it a staple for families seeking both flavor and filling nutrition.
