If you’re craving a wholesome, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chunks of chicken and vibrant broccoli, it’s that perfect combination of hearty and fresh that makes casserole nights unforgettable. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this dish comes together simply and packs big flavor, making it a staple you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and everyday pantry staples, yet they each bring a unique magic to this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe—creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make it truly irresistible.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Forms a creamy, savory base that binds everything together beautifully.
- Dried parsley, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper: These simple seasonings infuse the dish with gentle herbal and aromatic notes.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture, and controlling sodium keeps the casserole balanced.
- Frozen baby broccoli florets: Bring vibrant green color and a mild crunch without watering down the dish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Diced small to ensure quick, even cooking with tender, juicy bites.
- Uncooked short pasta: Acts as the hearty base that absorbs all the creamy goodness.
- Half-and-half: Elevates the richness to a perfectly silky texture; cream or evaporated milk work too.
- Grated cheddar cheese: Gives that golden, bubbling cheesy top and gooey interior.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by cranking your oven up to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—spraying is easiest, but a little butter works well too. Having everything prepped and ready means you’ll glide through the recipe smoothly, setting yourself up for delicious success.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the condensed cream of chicken soup with dried parsley, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring steadily, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that will soak into every ingredient.
Step 3: Combine All the Ingredients
Next, stir in the thawed broccoli florets, diced chicken, uncooked pasta, and half a cup of the grated cheddar cheese. Make sure the pasta is well-covered by the sauce mixture — this ensures that it cooks evenly in the oven and absorbs maximum flavor.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared dish and cover it tightly with foil. This step locks in steam, which is the secret weapon for cooking the dry pasta perfectly alongside your chicken and broccoli. Bake in your hot oven for 40 to 50 minutes, checking for pasta tenderness at the 40-minute mark.
Step 5: Stir and Add More Cheese
Remove the casserole carefully from the oven, taking off the foil (watch for steam!). Give the mixture a good stir to spread the sauce evenly, then stir in the half-and-half for a final boost of creamy indulgence. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, setting the stage for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Final Bake and Rest
Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake it for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly. Once out, let it rest on your counter for a full 5 minutes before serving—this little pause allows the sauce to thicken and reach that perfect creamy consistency that makes this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little extra cracked black pepper adds a vibrant, fresh pop. If you like, a few red pepper flakes can bring just the right touch of heat and color contrast to this creamy delight.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or some crusty bread gives a nice balance of textures and options to scoop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in cute ramekins or even hollowed-out bell peppers, making each serving a mini casserole surprise. This presentation always impresses guests and tickles your inner food artist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The casserole keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, and flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe by transferring portions into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of half-and-half or broth if the casserole seems dry. This helps revive its signature creamy, luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just steam or blanch the fresh broccoli first to soften it a bit before adding it to the casserole so it cooks evenly with the pasta and chicken.
Is it possible to substitute the chicken breast with another protein?
Yes! Turkey or cooked shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully, or even cooked sausage added for a flavor twist.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap out the cheddar for a plant-based cheese alternative and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of half-and-half.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells hold the sauce well and are perfect for this casserole, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake it later?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up through step 3, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, bake it as directed, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner that brings cozy comfort and simple elegance to your dinner table. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a go-to crowd-pleaser. So warm up your oven, gather your ingredients, and dive into this deliciously creamy, cheesy, and wholesome dish—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and tender pasta baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this one-dish meal balances ease and wholesome flavors, delivering a satisfying and hearty casserole with a crispy cheese topping.
Ingredients
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 1 (12.6-oz) bag frozen baby broccoli florets (thawed and drained)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 (16-oz) box uncooked short pasta
- 3/4 cup half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese (divided: 1/2 cup and 1 cup)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Prepare all your ingredients by thawing and draining broccoli, dicing chicken, and measuring out seasonings and liquids.
- Mix it up: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup with dried parsley, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble: Stir the thawed broccoli florets, raw diced chicken, uncooked pasta, and 1/2 cup of the grated cheddar cheese into the soup mixture. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Cover & bake (Part 1): Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, checking around 40 minutes for the pasta to be almost tender.
- Stir & cheese (Part 2): Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and peel back the foil cautiously to avoid steam burns. Stir the casserole well to redistribute the sauce evenly. Stir in the half-and-half, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Finish & serve: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to rest on the counter for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken to a perfect creamy consistency.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- Thaw and drain broccoli thoroughly to avoid watery sauce.
- Dicing the chicken into small, uniform pieces ensures even cooking with the pasta.
- Covering the dish tightly with foil traps steam for perfectly cooked pasta.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving thickens the sauce and improves texture.
- You can substitute half-and-half with heavy cream or evaporated milk as preferred.
