Finding a high protein and high fibre meal that the whole family loves can sometimes feel like a struggle. But this high protein chicken and broccoli pasta bake ticks all the boxes and it's delicious too. Creamy comforting pasta with a protein and fibre boost and the kids LOVE it.
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This chicken and broccoli pasta bake is the kind of dinner that keeps everyone happy without having to make separate meals. It's creamy (no dry pasta bake here), cheesy and comforting, it has 38 grams of protein and 8 grams of fibre per serving and it is a great way to use up leftover chicken.
This is usually our Monday night meal, as it uses leftovers from our Sunday roast dinner and Monday is very busy with after-school activities. I make this in the morning and then just keep it in the fridge until we are back from football and put it in the oven.
This recipe uses wholewheat pasta for extra fibre, shredded chicken breast for protein, a simple homemade cheese sauce, plus broccoli, cottage cheese, and cannellini beans to boost both fibre and protein even more.
Everything gets mixed together, topped with cheddar, and baked until golden and bubbling. Easy, comforting, and perfect for leftovers.
Looking for more family friendly high protein recipes? Why not try our delicious Cheesy White Bean Bake, speedy Chicken Carbonara, simple Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tray Bake or our amazing Oven Baked Chicken Tacos?
Want something high protein and fast? Take a look at 15 High Protein Dinners in Under 30 Minutes.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Pasta - Use a wholewheat pasta for extra fibre. Any shape will work.
- Chicken - This uses leftover cooked chicken. If you need to cook some, then try these Air Fryer Chicken Breasts.
- Broccoli - Cook this at the same time as the pasta. You can use frozen broccoli, but that will change the cooking time.
- Cheese sauce - Our Easy Homemade Cheese Sauce recipe.
- Cottage cheese - This is blended and mixed into the pasta for extra protein and you would have no idea it is there. Our "secret" ingredient for extra creamy pasta.
- Beans - Add a can of drained beans like cannellini beans or butter beans (there are larger and more noticeable though) for extra protein and fibre.
- Cheddar - Sprinkle this on top before baking to add a nice crispy top.
Variations
Extra Veg: Add spinach, peas, or sweetcorn for some extra vegetables. Peas and sweetcorn are always a favourite with kids too.
Different Protein: Swap chicken for leftover turkey or you could just do a bean version.
Lower Fat: Use reduced-fat cheddar and cottage cheese
Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella on top for a stretchy finish
Spicy Version: Stir in chilli flakes or extra Dijon mustard into the sauce
How To Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Prep: Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C(fan)/375°F/Gas 5.
- Step 1: Put the pasta and broccoli into a large pan of boiling water. Bring to the boil and cook for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Drain the pasta and broccoli and return to the pan. Add the cheese sauce, beans, cottage cheese and chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Transfer the pasta mixture to a large oven proof baking dish. We used this cast iron baking dish.
- Step 4: Add the grated cheddar on top of the pasta.
- Step 5: Put into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Meal Prep and Storage
Make Ahead: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Fridge Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions or the full bake (before or after baking) for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk if it looks dry.
Dannii's Top Tips
- Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn't go mushy. The same with the broccoli.
- Cut broccoli small for even distribution (great for kids).
- Cottage cheese blends better if stirred in gently at the end.
- Generously season it when you mix everything together.
- Garlic bread goes perfectly with this chicken and broccoli pasta bake. Try this Air Fryer Garlic Bread.
- Let it rest for a minute or two after baking - it thickens and slices better.
- Use a wide, shallow dish for more crispy cheese topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all! It melts into the sauce and just makes it creamier and higher in protein.
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni holds the sauce best.
More Pasta Bake Recipes
If you've tried this high protein pasta bake recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
High Protein Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 350 g (12.33 oz) Whole wheat pasta
- 3 head Broccoli - cut into florets
- 300 g (10.5 oz) Cooked chicken - shredded
- 240 g (1.33 cups) Cannellini beans - canned; drained weight
- 125 g (0.5 cup) Fat free cottage cheese - blended
- 6 portion Cheese sauce
- 200 g (7 oz) Light mature cheddar - grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C(fan)/375°F/Gas 5.
- Put 350 g Whole wheat pasta and 3 head Broccoli into a large pan of boiling water. Bring to the boil and cook for 10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli and return to the pan.
- Add 6 portion Cheese sauce, 240 g Cannellini beans, 125 g Fat free cottage cheese and 300 g Cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a large oven proof baking dish.
- Add 200 g Light mature cheddar on top of the pasta.
- Put into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn't go mushy. The same with the broccoli.
- Cut broccoli small for even distribution (great for kids).
- Cottage cheese blends better if stirred in gently at the end.
- Generously season it when you mix everything together.
- Garlic bread goes perfectly with this chicken and broccoli pasta bake. Try this Air Fryer Garlic Bread.
- Let it rest for a minute or two after baking - it thickens and slices better.
- Use a wide, shallow dish for more crispy cheese topping.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Karen says
Great recipe, filling and delicious. Will be making this again. Thanks
Juliette Thompson says
Completely delicious!