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.

Easy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole for Busy Weeknights

Name: Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Description

Creamy chicken broccoli pasta casserole with tender chicken, pasta, and cheesy sauce baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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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