Get ready for a delicious, comforting, and incredibly easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and small pasta shapes in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a satisfying one-dish wonder that promises to bring smiles to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a true lifesaver in my kitchen, and I absolutely adore it for its unbeatable simplicity and incredible comfort factor! What I love most is how it brings together a complete, wholesome meal into one delicious baking dish. The seasoned chicken tenders cook quickly, and the inclusion of fresh broccoli florets adds a vibrant green and healthy crunch. The sauce, made with chicken broth and cream cheese, becomes wonderfully rich and velvety, coating every piece of pasta and chicken. Then, adding generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheesecreates that irresistible gooey, cheesy topping. It’s quick to assemble, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser, making it a fantastic fuss-free option for any busy evening.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake:
- 1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 1 1/2 cups dry small shaped pasta (like penne, rotini, or medium shells)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾–1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Chicken tenders are ideal for quick cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, also work well.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are recommended. If using frozen, add them directly to the pasta during the last 2 minutes of cooking; no need to thaw.
- Pasta: Small shaped pasta works best for casseroles. Ensure you cook it al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken.
- Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper add a good base flavor to the chicken. Adjust to your taste.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of the sauce. Use ¾ cup for a thicker sauce, 1 cup for a slightly looser sauce.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for the creamy sauce. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended.
- Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan provide excellent melt and flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts best, but pre-shredded works for convenience.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake assembled and baked!
- Cook Pasta & Broccoli: Following the package directions, cook the 1 1/2 cups dry small shaped pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, stir in the 3 cups fresh broccoli florets. This ensures the broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly when done and set aside.
- Season Chicken: While pasta cooks, in a bowl, toss the 1 pound chicken tenders (cut into bite-size pieces) with 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste.
- Sear Chicken: In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pan and sear for a couple of minutes until browned on the outside. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: Pour in ¾–1 cup chicken broth into the sauté pan with the chicken and allow it to come to a simmer. Add the 4 ounces cubed cream cheese once the broth is simmering and stir well with a whisk or wooden spoon until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the broth, creating a smooth sauce. Then, add 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well until the mozzarella is melted and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Combine All in Skillet: Turn the heat off the sauté pan. Gently toss in the cooked pasta and broccoli mixture with the chicken and sauce. Stir everything together until well combined and coated.
- Bake: Transfer the entire chicken and broccoli pasta mixture from the skillet into a baking dish (a 9×13-inch dish works well). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place in a 375°F (190°C) preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Final Cheese Topping: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Uncover it. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and the 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and continue to bake for another 3 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Rest & Serve: Before serving, allow the chicken and broccoli pasta to rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes for easier serving.
Tips for Success
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook and absorb sauce in the oven.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Sear the chicken tenders until just browned; they will finish cooking in the sauce and oven.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free sauce.
- Whisk Sauce Smoothly: Whisk constantly when melting cream cheese and mozzarella into the broth for a silky sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skillet: Sear chicken in batches if needed to ensure good browning.
- Resting Time: Allows the sauce to set, preventing a runny casserole when served.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
- Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness.
- Steamed Corn: For an extra touch of sweetness.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing casseroles or one-pan meals, consider our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit or our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This casserole makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often deepen overnight!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid and the casserole will thicken considerably.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For best results, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot. You may want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating to rehydrate the pasta and loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another easy cheesy chicken dish, check out our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- If you’re a fan of simple, crowd-pleasing chicken and cheese bites, our Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive are a must-try.
- And for an easy weeknight shortcut that’s packed with flavor, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun winner.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, promising a pan full of rich, cheesy, and hearty goodness that will make everyone happy!
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your go-to baked pasta dish for a comforting meal? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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