If you’re craving a cozy, family-friendly dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole is exactly what you need. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, and vibrant broccoli baked together under a blanket of melted cheese, it’s the kind of dish that warms the home and brings everyone to the table. The combination of textures—soft pasta, perfectly cooked broccoli, creamy sauce, and golden cheesy topping—makes every bite deeply satisfying. It’s quick to assemble, easy to customize, and perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or meal prep. This casserole isn’t just delicious—it’s dependable, simple, and guaranteed to please any crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole
This casserole is classic comfort food done right. It’s rich and creamy without being heavy, cheesy without being overwhelming, and packed with protein and vegetables for a complete and wholesome meal. Kids love it, adults crave it, and leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
With minimal prep and no complicated steps, this dish is perfect when you want something filling, delicious, and fuss-free. It uses common pantry ingredients, takes less than 40 minutes to prepare, and bakes beautifully with a bubbling, golden crust. Plus, everything cooks in one dish, making cleanup easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes, crushed Ritz or panko topping
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth. Whisk continuously until thickened and smooth.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in Cheese: Add 1 cup cheddar, ½ cup mozzarella, and all the Parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl or casserole dish, combine pasta, broccoli, chicken, and sauce. Mix thoroughly.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top. Add panko or crushed crackers for extra crunch if desired. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley, pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per Serving)
- Calories: 710
- Protein: 45g
- Carbs: 56g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole
- Use freshly grated cheese for smooth melting—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents.
- Cook pasta just to al dente; it softens more in the oven.
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well to avoid watery casserole.
- Add a crispy topping using panko + melted butter for texture.
- Let it rest 5 minutes after baking to set the creamy sauce.
- For extra richness, stir in 2–3 oz cream cheese to the sauce.
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein: Swap chicken for turkey, ham, or rotisserie chicken.
- Cheese Options: Try Gouda, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or an Italian blend.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, peas, spinach, or roasted peppers.
- Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta and gluten-free flour for the roux.
- Healthier Version: Use light milk or skip the crispy topping.
What to Serve with Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole
- Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
- Caesar salad or simple green salad
- Roasted carrots or green beans
- A fresh fruit salad
- Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: It should be slightly firm before baking.
- Adding cheese over high heat: This can cause clumps—keep heat low.
- Using watery broccoli: Excess moisture makes the sauce runny.
- Skipping the seasoning: The sauce needs adequate salt to shine.
- Not whisking the roux: Proper whisking prevents lumps.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk for creaminess.
- Freeze without the topping for up to 2 months; add cheese before baking.
- Assemble ahead of time and bake later for easy meal prep.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and irresistible flavor. Creamy sauce, hearty chicken, tender broccoli, and melty cheese come together in a warm, bubbly bake that’s satisfying enough for weeknights yet special enough for guests. Simple, comforting, and incredibly delicious—you’ll want this recipe on repeat.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s one of the best shortcuts and adds great flavor.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely—thaw and drain well before adding to prevent a watery casserole.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes. Assemble it ahead, refrigerate up to 24 hours, and bake when ready.
What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie holds the sauce beautifully.
Why is my sauce grainy?
Pre-shredded cheese often causes this. Use freshly grated for smoothness.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course—peas, spinach, mushrooms, and corn all work wonderfully.