Lemon chicken and broccoli pasta bake

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 40 mins

This recipe is perfect for using left-over roast chicken or even turkey at Christmas, but a shop-bought cooked chicken also works well.

275g / 10oz penne pasta

4 medium chicken breasts

450g / 1lb head broccoli, cut into florets

300ml white sauce

150ml reduced salt chicken stock

4 tbsps double cream or crème fraiche

Finely grated rind and juice of 1 lemon

25g (1oz) butter, plus extra for greasing

1 small onion, finely chopped

75g /3oz fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs

2 tbsps chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tsp chopped fresh sage

Freshly ground black pepper

For the white Béchamel sauce (makes 1 pint)

50 g / 2 oz Butter

50 g / 2 oz flour

500 ml / 1 pint milk, heated

1 pinch grated nutmeg

Preheat oven to 190˚C/Gas 5.

Place the penne in a large pan of boiling water and cook for 10 min.

Cut the chicken into bite size pieces. Place in a bowl and set aside.

Blanch the broccoli in a pan of boiling water for 2-3 minutes.

White sauce

Melt butter in a pan and add in the flour. Cook for 3 min over medium heat stirring constantly. Gradually add in the milk and stir until smooth. Simmer for 10min.

Add some grated nutmeg and set aside and keep warm until ready to use.

Whisk the stock into the warm béchamel sauce and add the cream/crème fraiche. Simmer for a few minutes until you have achieved a thick pouring sauce, stirring occasionally – you should have about 500ml in total. Season with some freshly ground black pepper and enough lemon juice to taste.

Melt the butter in a small pan and sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the breadcrumbs, lemon rind and herbs. Cook for another 1 or 2 minutes until lightly coloured. Remove from the heat.

Toss the pasta, cooked chicken pieces and broccoli florets together in a greased, shallow ovenproof dish that holds about 6 pints and is 5cm deep. Pour over the sauce to cover completely. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top and bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbling and the breadcrumbs are lightly golden. Transfer onto warmed plates and serve at once.

Serves
10

Preparation Time
10 minutes

Cooking Time
40 minutes

Main ingredients
Dairy, Chicken, Pasta & Noodles

Recipe Type
Dinner, Healthy, Kids Food

Level of Difficulty
Easy