Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe

Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Craving a cozy, comforting meal that the whole family will devour without complaint? This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta, all smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s made entirely from scratch.

Forget the canned stuff, this is a chicken casserole without condensed soup, delivering bold flavor and homemade goodness in every bite. If you enjoy classic comfort food, you might also love my Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a cozy, Southern-style meal.

The top bakes to a bubbly, golden-brown finish, giving you that perfect cheesy crust that everyone fights over.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids or just need a no-fuss dinner with minimal cleanup, this one-dish wonder checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, wholesome, and totally satisfying.

Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet impressive dish. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to bring such big flavor to the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is more than just another weeknight meal. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings convenience and flavor together in one baking dish. Here’s why it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again:

• One-Skillet Sauce: Everything comes together in a single pan, keeping prep and cleanup easy and fast.
• Creamy Sauce From Scratch: Made with warm milk, chicken broth, flour, and real cheese, no canned soup needed.
• Perfectly Balanced: This casserole gives you protein, carbs, and veggies in every serving, making it a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: The mild, cheesy flavor is a hit with kids, while the fresh ingredients satisfy adults.
• Great for Meal Prep: Enjoy it fresh from the oven or store leftovers for a quick and tasty lunch or dinner later.

Whether you’re short on time or just craving something hearty and homemade, this casserole delivers big results with minimal effort. It’s cozy, nourishing, and easy to customize to your tastes.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

The magic of this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish your family will love. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and how to get the most out of each component.

The Core Components

• Chicken:
  This recipe uses 14 oz of chicken tenderloins, which are naturally tender and cook quickly. If you don’t have tenderloins, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work just as well. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even baking.
• Broccoli:
  You’ll need 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, cut into small, even pieces. This ensures the broccoli cooks through without becoming too soft. Frozen broccoli can be used too, just see the FAQ section for tips on how to adjust.
• Pasta:
  Use 8 oz of uncooked spiral pasta like fusilli or rotini. Their twisted shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Penne is another excellent option if that’s what you have on hand.
  Looking for a seafood twist? Try my creamy Salmon Casserole, another rich, satisfying one-dish dinner.

The From-Scratch Creamy Cheese Sauce

• The Roux:
  Butter and all-purpose flour form the base of the sauce, thickening the milk and broth into a smooth, rich mixture.
• The Liquids:
  Warm chicken broth and warm milk are essential. Using warm liquids helps the roux blend smoothly and prevents lumps from forming.
• The Flavor:
  Minced garlic and dried thyme give the sauce depth and warmth. You can also try oregano or Italian seasoning if preferred.
• The Cheese:
  Shredded cheddar or Colby cheese adds that classic casserole flavor. For the best texture and melt, always shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Making this creamy chicken pasta bake is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.

Step 1: Prep Ingredients & Cook Pasta

Cook your spiral pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne) in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, undercook by one minute to avoid mushy noodles later.
Meanwhile, cut 14 oz of chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop 2 cups of broccoli into small florets for even cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook until golden and no longer pink. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (optional but adds richness). Add 1 clove of minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Whisk in ¼ cup of flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly add 1½ cups warm chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually pour in 2 cups warm milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine & Melt

Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Colby cheese. Mix until fully melted and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Add the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and raw broccoli florets into the skillet. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your fresh, homemade Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole, creamy, cozy, and full of flavor!

Expert Tips for Success Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole

To make the best Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole, keep these expert tips in mind. They’ll help you avoid common mistakes and get that creamy, cheesy texture just right.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
  Cook the pasta just to al dente, firm to the bite. It will continue cooking in the oven, so starting with slightly undercooked pasta prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Shred Your Own Cheese:
  Bagged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that stop it from melting smoothly. For a creamier sauce and better texture, always shred cheese from a block.
• Warm Your Liquids:
  This is key to a lump-free sauce. Cold milk or broth added to a hot roux can cause clumps. Warm both liquids gently before whisking them in for a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:
  There’s no need to steam or blanch the broccoli before baking. Add the raw florets directly to the dish. They’ll steam perfectly in the oven, staying bright green and tender-crisp.

These simple adjustments make a big difference in the final dish. They help create a casserole that’s rich, cheesy, and full of well-balanced textures, exactly what you want from a hearty, homemade dinner.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

One of the best things about this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is how well it keeps. Whether you’re planning for leftovers or prepping ahead, here’s how to store and reheat it the right way.

• Storing Leftovers
• Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This keeps the texture fresh and the flavors locked in.
• Freezing Instructions
• Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. For best results, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap the dish tightly with two layers of plastic wrap, then add one layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time if needed to ensure it’s fully heated through.
• Reheating
• For individual portions, reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.
  To reheat the whole casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.

This makes it a perfect choice for meal prep or busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal with zero stress.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions about making Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole, answered clearly to help you get the best results every time.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole: A New Family Favorite

And there you have it, a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole proves that you don’t need canned soups to create a deeply flavorful, comforting dish the whole family will love. With fresh ingredients, simple steps, and big flavor, it’s a recipe that checks every box.

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and a star rating below to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback is helpful not just for me, but for other home cooks looking for the perfect casserole.

Ready for your next dinner idea? Try my Fajita Chicken Casserole or Swiss Chicken Casserole for more cozy, one-dish meals.

For more recipe inspiration, be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag me in your photos. I love seeing your delicious kitchen creations and sharing them with our community!

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