Easy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake with Green Onion Dip
A comforting one-dish pasta bake that transforms simple ingredients into family-friendly comfort food. Tender penne mingles with seasoned chicken and crisp broccoli florets in a creamy green onion dip sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying that pleases both kids and adults. The green onion dip creates an unexpectedly rich and flavorful base sauce, while the oven-safe skillet method keeps cleanup minimal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 12 oz container Kraft Green Onion Dipcream cheese + sour cream + green onions8oz cream cheese + 4oz sour cream + 2 chopped green onionshomemadeadds dairy
mix until smooth
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes(optional)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 6 oz chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- fresh parsley, chopped
- fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt
- 2
Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions and drain
- 3
Preheat oven to 350 F
- 4
Melt butter in an oven safe skillet over medium heat
- 5
Slowly add green onion dip to the skillet, stirring constantly until smooth
- 6
Add chicken, broccoli and pasta to the skillet
- 7
Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes and stir to combine
- 8
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese
- 9
Transfer to oven and bake for 25 minutes until cheese is melted
- 10
Remove carefully from oven and garnish with chopped parsley and chives before serving hot
Tips
Use rotisserie chicken to save time - just remove skin and chop into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation.
Steam broccoli for 2-3 minutes before adding to ensure it cooks evenly and stays tender-crisp in the final dish.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight container
Assemble completely without baking, cover and refrigerate up to 1 day, then bake adding 5-10 extra minutes
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and bubbly, garnish just before serving
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining pasta well to avoid watery sauce
Add dip slowly while stirring to prevent lumps from forming
Let chicken cool slightly before chopping to avoid overcooking
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
mix until smooth
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen broccoli thoroughly first, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding to prevent a watery dish.
What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish after combining all ingredients, then top with cheese and bake as directed.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in microwave or cover dish and reheat in 350F oven.