If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, look no further than 1 serving Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake. At 870 calories, it's the perfect combination of proteins, carbs, and fats to keep you fueled and energized for the day. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner, and can be made in advance for meal prep. Not only is it delicious, but it's also nutritious, with plenty of vitamins and minerals from the chicken, broccoli, and penne. So, let's dive into the recipe!

To make this dish, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken breast, broccoli florets, penne pasta, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Chicken breast is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy choice for any meal. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that's packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Penne pasta is a great source of complex carbs, which are important for sustained energy throughout the day. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provide a delicious cheesy flavor and some extra protein, while heavy cream adds a rich, creamy texture. Garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper round out the flavor profile of the dish.

In this article, we'll explore some tips and strategies for making the perfect Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake. We'll go over cooking times and instructions, serving suggestions, the benefits of this dish, and some variations to try out. So let's get started!

Calories

One serving of Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake contains 870 calories. This may seem like a lot, but it's important to remember that this dish is meant to be a full meal, so it's a reasonable amount of calories for that purpose. If you're looking to reduce the calorie count of this dish, there are a few things you can try. First, use less cheese or substitute lower-fat cheese for the mozzarella and Parmesan. You can also use a lower-fat milk instead of heavy cream, or use a smaller portion of pasta and more veggies. Overall, the calorie count of this dish shouldn't deter you from enjoying it. It's all about balance and moderation, and at 870 calories, it's a filling and satisfying meal that will keep you going for hours.

Fat content

One serving of Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake contains 47 grams of fat, of which 24 grams are saturated fat. This may sound like a lot, but it's important to remember that fat is an important nutrient that your body needs for energy, hormone production, and other functions. If you're looking to reduce the fat content of this dish, try using less cheese or substituting lower-fat cheese for the mozzarella and Parmesan. You can also use a lower-fat milk instead of heavy cream, or use a smaller portion of pasta and more veggies. Overall, the fat content of this dish is in line with a balanced and healthy diet. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation.

Protein content

One serving of Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake contains 42 grams of protein, which is over half of the daily recommended amount for an adult. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to increase their protein intake. To increase the protein content of this dish even more, you can add more chicken or use a higher protein pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta. You can also sprinkle some nuts or seeds on top of the dish for some extra crunch and protein. Overall, the protein content of this dish is one of its strong points. It's a delicious and convenient way to get a healthy dose of protein without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Sodium content

One serving of Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake contains 910 milligrams of sodium, which is about 40% of the daily recommended amount for an adult. This may sound like a lot, but it's important to remember that sodium is found in many foods and is necessary for regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. To reduce the sodium content of this dish, you can use low-sodium chicken broth or canned tomatoes instead of regular ones. You can also use less salt in the recipe, or omit it altogether if you prefer. Overall, the sodium content of this dish is moderate and shouldn't be a concern for most people. Just be mindful of your overall sodium intake throughout the day.

Ingredients list

To make Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake, you'll need the following ingredients: You'll also need a 9x13 inch baking dish and some cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once you have all your ingredients, you can start preparing the recipe according to the instructions below.

Cooking time and instructions

To make Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake, follow these steps: This recipe makes 4 servings, so if you're cooking for more than one person, adjust the ingredients accordingly. You can also prep this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for a quick and easy meal later on.

Serving suggestion

Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake is a hearty and filling meal that's perfect on its own or with a side salad. You can also pair it with some garlic bread or crusty French bread for a complete and satisfying meal. To serve, use a large spoon or spatula to scoop out the desired amount onto a plate. Garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or basil if you like, and enjoy!

Benefits of Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake

Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides important vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients like protein, carbs, and fat. Here are some of the benefits of this dish: Overall, this dish is a great option for anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Variations to try out

Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some variations to try out: These are just a few variations you can try out, so feel free to get creative and come up with your own twists on this classic recipe.

Pairing recommendations

Pairing wine or drinks with Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake can be a fun and delicious way to enhance the flavors of the dish. Here are a few pairing recommendations to try out: Of course, these are just suggestions, and you should always pair wine or drinks with what you like best. Cheers!