Chicken broccoli pasta casserole is one of those comforting dishes you can count on any busy night. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with juicy chicken and tender broccoli. This recipe will show you exactly what ingredients you need, how to make it creamy, the best pasta types to use, and answer your top questions so you can bake it confidently tonight.For other easy dinner ideas, check out my chicken pasta recipe for quick family meals.
Table of Contents
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy chicken broccoli pasta casserole with tender chicken, pasta, and cheesy sauce baked to perfection.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
4 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta until almost al dente, drain.
3. Steam broccoli 2-3 minutes until bright and tender-crisp.
4. Melt butter in saucepan, whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
5. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisk until thickened.
6. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese until melted.
8. Combine pasta, chicken, broccoli with sauce in large bowl.
9. Pour mixture into greased 9×13 dish.
10. Top with remaining cheddar, parmesan, paprika, and panko.
11. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden.
12. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
Cook pasta slightly under so it stays firm.
Substitute rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Story & Intro
My First Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Memory
There’s something about a chicken broccoli pasta casserole that feels like coming home after a long day. I still remember the first time I made it myself. I had just moved into my tiny first apartment in Asheville, and the kitchen was barely big enough to turn around in. My grandmother Lorraine called me that night. She asked what I was making for dinner, and I told her I wasn’t sure. She laughed softly and said, “Why don’t you whip up that chicken broccoli pasta casserole I used to make for you when you stayed over?”
I dug out my scribbled recipe notebook, pulled out leftover rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and a box of penne. As the cheesy sauce baked in the oven, filling the place with garlicky, creamy aromas, I felt calm for the first time all week. This chicken broccoli pasta casserole has been on my table ever since.just like this creamy lemon chicken pasta that’s always bright and easy.
Why This Bake Became My Go-To Dinner
Chicken broccoli pasta casserole quickly became my weeknight hero. It’s creamy without being too heavy, and the broccoli adds a fresh bite that pairs so well with tender chicken and pasta. Whenever my teenagers come home starving after practice, I know this casserole will keep them full and happy. It also makes enough for leftovers, which always makes tomorrow’s lunch easier. Plus, it’s a dish that tastes like love in every bite, just like Grandma’s always did.For a spicier twist, my family also loves this chicken fajita pasta recipe on busy nights.
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Ingredients
What You Need for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Here are the clear ingredients for your chicken broccoli pasta casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for topping)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
For another baked pasta dish, try this hearty baked ziti with chicken recipe your kids will love.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your chicken broccoli pasta casserole creamy and satisfying:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until almost al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
- Steam broccoli florets lightly for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. If using frozen broccoli, rinse under warm water to thaw and drain well.
- Make the creamy sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
- Gradually add milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and broccoli in a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over and mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese and grated parmesan. Sprinkle paprika and panko breadcrumbs evenly on top if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set the sauce and make scooping easier.
For dinner ideas with Caribbean flair, see my jerk chicken pasta which is equally bold and creamy.
Tips for a Perfectly Creamy Casserole
- Use whole milk for richer flavor, but 2% works well too.
- Don’t overcook broccoli before baking, or it may become mushy.
- If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of warm milk to loosen it before mixing with pasta and chicken.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese for a creamier finish.
Using Frozen Broccoli in Chicken Pasta Casseroles
Should You Thaw Frozen Broccoli First?
Many people wonder if they need to thaw frozen broccoli before adding it to chicken broccoli pasta casserole. You can use frozen broccoli straight from the bag, but I recommend quickly rinsing it under warm water to remove any ice crystals and then patting it dry with paper towels. This step keeps your casserole from becoming watery during baking.
When I’m short on time, frozen broccoli is my go-to. It saves washing and chopping, and it still turns out delicious in the casserole. Just remember to reduce steaming time to avoid overcooking. The broccoli will finish cooking in the oven, keeping a nice tender-crisp texture that pairs perfectly with creamy sauce and pasta.
How to Keep Broccoli Bright and Tender
To keep broccoli bright green and tender in your chicken broccoli pasta casserole, steam it lightly before mixing with the sauce and pasta. Here are quick tips:
- Don’t boil frozen broccoli directly; this can make it soggy.
- Steam or microwave fresh broccoli for just 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant.
- Drain thoroughly to avoid extra water diluting your creamy sauce.
- If using frozen broccoli without steaming, bake the casserole covered with foil for the first 15 minutes to trap moisture, then uncover to brown the cheese topping.
Using these simple tricks ensures your broccoli stays tasty and the dish remains hearty without turning mushy.
Best Pasta Types for Chicken Broccoli Casseroles
Top Recommended Pasta Shapes
Choosing the right pasta for your chicken broccoli pasta casserole makes a big difference. Here are my top picks:
- Penne: Its short tube shape holds creamy sauce perfectly and is easy to scoop in a casserole.
- Rotini: The spirals trap cheese and sauce in every curve for a flavorful bite.
- Rigatoni: Slightly larger tubes that add a hearty texture to your dish.
- Fusilli: Similar to rotini but tighter spirals, great for grabbing creamy sauce.
I often use penne when making chicken broccoli pasta casserole for dinner guests because it stays firm after baking and looks beautiful when served.
Pasta Cooking Tips for Casseroles
To avoid mushy pasta in your casserole, cook it for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. This keeps it slightly firm so it won’t overcook while baking. Here are other quick tips:
- Salt your pasta water well to infuse flavor.
- Drain thoroughly to keep the sauce from becoming watery.
- Toss hot pasta with a drizzle of olive oil if you’re prepping ahead, to keep it from sticking before mixing with sauce, chicken, and broccoli.
Using the right pasta and these simple techniques will give your chicken broccoli pasta casserole the perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta that holds its shape beautifully.
FAQ Section
What ingredients are needed for a chicken broccoli pasta casserole?
For a classic chicken broccoli pasta casserole, you’ll need cooked chicken breast, pasta (like penne or rotini), fresh or frozen broccoli florets, butter, flour, milk, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and optional toppings like paprika and panko breadcrumbs.
How do you make a creamy chicken broccoli pasta casserole?
You make it creamy by creating a simple cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, chicken broth, and shredded cheese. Cook your pasta and steam broccoli, then mix them with shredded chicken and the creamy sauce. Pour into a casserole dish, top with extra cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Can I use frozen broccoli in chicken pasta casseroles?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Rinse it under warm water to remove ice crystals and pat it dry before mixing. This keeps your casserole from becoming watery. You can steam it lightly or let it cook directly in the oven for a tender finish.
What type of pasta works best for chicken broccoli casseroles?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli work best. They hold the creamy sauce well and stay firm after baking, giving you a satisfying bite in every forkful.
Conclusion
Chicken broccoli pasta casserole is one of those comfort meals you can always rely on. It’s creamy, filling, and packed with flavors that everyone loves. Whether you use fresh or frozen broccoli, rotisserie chicken, or leftover grilled pieces, this casserole always turns out hearty and satisfying. Serve it hot with a simple green salad or warm garlic bread for a dinner that feels like home every single time.
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