Maple Mustard Chicken Pasta Bake (Print Version)

Creamy pasta with honey mustard chicken, cheddar cheese, broccoli, and crisp buttery breadcrumbs.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Chicken

01 - 10 oz short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or elbows
02 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
03 - 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched or steamed

→ Maple Mustard Sauce

04 - 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
05 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
06 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
07 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

09 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
10 - 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
11 - 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, optional

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - In a medium saucepan, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and heavy cream. Warm over medium-low heat, then add shredded cheddar and whisk continuously until cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with chicken, broccoli florets, and the warm maple mustard sauce until evenly coated.
04 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan if using. Stir until evenly moistened, then sprinkle mixture uniformly over the pasta in a greased baking dish.
05 - Place baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses pantry staples like pasta and chicken
  • Bakes in under an hour and feeds a crowd
  • Flexible for swapping in vegetables or cheeses
  • Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
02 -
  • High protein filling makes it a meal on its own
  • Kids usually love the sweet creamy sauce
  • Ideal for pre-making up to two days ahead
03 -
  • Toast your breadcrumbs for a minute in a dry pan before adding butter. This step makes your topping taste irresistible.
  • If you want extra crispy edges, bake the pasta in a metal pan. Always let the bake rest before serving so the sauce firms slightly. It makes for neater slices and richer flavor.

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