Description
Looking for an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor? This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is your answer! Everything bakes together in one dish, no boiling pasta or pre-cooking chicken required. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 oz chicken tenderloins (or breast/thigh), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or herbs of choice)
- 8 oz uncooked spiral pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne work well)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups warm chicken broth
- 2 cups warm milk (any kind)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, but adds richness)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Colby cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 390°F (or 375°F fan-assisted).
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme. Toss to coat and set aside.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread uncooked pasta across the bottom. Sprinkle flour evenly (no clumps). Pour in warm milk and broth. Stir in garlic and butter.
- Add Chicken and Broccoli: Scatter the seasoned chicken evenly, followed by broccoli florets.
- First Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes (20 minutes if liquids were cold).
- Stir and Add Cheese: Remove foil. Stir well to mix flour. Stir in 1 cup cheese. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup on top.
- Final Bake: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and thickened.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the sauce.
Notes
- Cheese Options: Try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
- Veggie Swaps: Cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach work great too.
- Protein Tip: Use leftover rotisserie chicken, reduce first bake time by 5 minutes.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in cream cheese or sour cream with the milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta Casseroles
- Method: Oven, One-Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli pasta bake, cheesy casserole, no boil pasta dinner, one pan chicken bake