This chicken and broccoli pasta bake is a family dinner built from tender pasta, cooked chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce under a golden cheese topping. It is especially useful when I have leftover chicken to use.
Undercook the pasta slightly because it continues to soften in the oven, and drain the broccoli well to keep the sauce thick. For a lighter version of the same combination, try my healthy chicken rice bowl.
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Table of Contents
Recipe Info
| Detail | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Active Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
Why This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe Works
- The creamy sauce wraps around every bite of pasta, chicken, and broccoli so beautifully.
- It’s comforting enough for chilly evenings but simple enough for an ordinary weeknight.
- Leftovers reheat wonderfully, making tomorrow’s dinner feel just as cozy.
Recipe Summary
This chicken and broccoli pasta bake combines cooked pasta, juicy chicken, tender broccoli, garlic, cream, and melted cheese into one warm oven-baked casserole. It’s rich without feeling heavy and comes together with simple grocery store ingredients that are easy to keep on hand.
To make chicken and broccoli pasta bake, cook pasta until just tender, combine it with cooked chicken, broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and shredded cheese, then bake until golden and bubbling. It’s an easy one-pan comfort meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Extra mozzarella cheese
- Buttered breadcrumbs for crunch
- Fresh parsley for serving
Step by Step
1. Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until just al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
During the final 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly into the pasta water. Drain everything together and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant and soft.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to create a smooth base. Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps.
Add onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Add the Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
The sauce should feel silky and smooth, coating the spoon softly without becoming overly thick.
4. Combine Everything
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken into the sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture inside. Sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top if desired.
5. Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbling around the edges.
If you want a deeper golden top, broil for the final 2 minutes while watching carefully.
Let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. The sauce settles beautifully as it cools slightly.
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until just al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- During the final 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly into the pasta water. Drain everything together and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant and soft.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to create a smooth base. Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken into the sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture inside. Sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbling around the edges.
- If you want a deeper golden top, broil for the final 2 minutes while watching carefully.
- Let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. The sauce settles beautifully as it cools slightly.
Notes
If you enjoy creamy baked chicken dinners, try this comforting and budget-friendly Simple Chicken Alfredo Bake — it’s rich, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 39g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
This recipe offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and comforting richness that makes it satisfying without feeling overwhelming. The broccoli also adds extra fiber and freshness that keeps the dish feeling lighter and more complete.
Ingredient and Nutrition Notes for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Broccoli brings a gentle freshness to this creamy pasta bake while adding vitamin C, fiber, and important nutrients. Chicken breast provides a filling source of protein that helps make the meal feel nourishing and balanced.
Using homemade sauce instead of canned soup also gives you more control over the ingredients and flavor.
Mistakes to Avoid with Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Overcooking the Pasta
Soft pasta can become mushy after baking. Cook it just until al dente.
Using Too Much Heat for the Sauce
High heat may cause the cheese sauce to separate. Keep the heat gentle once the dairy is added.
Skipping Seasoning
Creamy sauces need enough seasoning to taste warm and flavorful rather than flat.
Dry Pasta Bake
Avoid baking too long uncovered or the sauce may reduce too much.
Practical Tips for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
- Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves time on busy evenings.
- Roast the broccoli beforehand if you prefer deeper flavor and crisp edges.
- A small pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Add a splash of milk before reheating to loosen the creamy sauce again.
Best Time to Make This
This chicken and broccoli pasta bake is especially lovely during cooler evenings when you want something warm, filling, and easy to share around the table.
It also works beautifully for:
- Sunday meal prep
- Casual family dinners
- Bringing to friends or neighbors
- Cozy winter evenings
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw and drain it well first so excess moisture does not thin the sauce.
2. What pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, and rigatoni all hold the creamy sauce very nicely.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I freeze chicken and broccoli pasta bake?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
5. How do I make it lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly while still keeping it creamy.
Final Thoughts on Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Let the casserole stand for five to ten minutes after baking so the sauce settles before serving. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the final minutes.
Assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate it until dinner, adding a few minutes to the baking time. My chicken rice casserole is another dependable make-ahead family meal.
