When you’re craving a wholesome, hearty, and unbelievably cheesy meal that comes together with minimal fuss, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is your answer! It’s a delightful casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy, and gloriously cheesy sauce, then baked to golden perfection. This dish is designed to be a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying and delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a true winner in my kitchen for its incredible balance of flavor, texture, and ease. What I love most is how effortlessly it combines lean protein and fresh vegetables with comforting pasta and a luscious, creamy cheese sauce. The method of cooking the pasta and broccoli together streamlines the process, and building the sauce in the same pan as the seared chicken ensures maximum flavor.

The combination of cream cheese and mozzarella creates an unparalleled level of creaminess and gooey, cheesy goodness that appeals to everyone. It’s a complete meal in one dish, minimizing cleanup, and the final bake in the oven creates that irresistible golden, bubbly topping. It’s truly a feel-good meal that satisfies those comfort food cravings while still providing a good dose of veggies.

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Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cups dry small shaped pasta (such as rotini, penne, or cavatappi)
• 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
• 3/4–1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 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: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, can be used instead of tenders.You can also use cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken for an even faster prep time.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best, but frozen broccoli can be used. If using frozen, add directly to the boiling pasta water as directed.
• Pasta: Any small to medium-shaped pasta that holds sauce well, like rotini, penne, or cavatappi, is ideal.
• Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder create a savory base. Feel free to add a pinch of dried Italian herbs or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Chicken Broth: Adjust the amount of chicken broth depending on how thick you like your sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat block cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes, will melt smoothly into the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded (which often contains anti-caking agents). You can use part-skim or whole-milk mozzarella.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharper, saltier kick to the final topping.

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Instructions:

This cheesy pasta bake comes together easily on the stovetop and finishes perfectly in the oven.

1. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 1 1/2 cups dry small shaped pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking the pasta, stir in the 3 cups fresh broccoli florets. This ensures the broccoli is crisp-tender. Drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly when done and set aside.
2. Season Chicken: In a bowl, toss the 1 pound chicken tenders with 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
3. Sear Chicken: In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan and sear for a couple of minutes until they are browned on the outside. They don’t need to be cooked through completely at this stage.
4. Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in 3/4–1 cup chicken broth into the pan with the chicken and allow it to come to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Once simmering, add the cubed 4 ounces cream cheese and stir well until it is completely melted and incorporated into the broth. Then, add 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well until the mozzarella is melted and the sauce has slightly thickened.
5. Combine with Pasta and Broccoli: Turn the heat off under the pan. Gently toss the cooked pasta and broccoliinto the creamy chicken sauce in the pan until everything is well coated.
6. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the entire chicken and broccoli pasta mixture from the sauté pan to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in a 375°F (190°C) preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes.
7. Final Cheese Melt: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Uncover it, and evenly top the casserole with the remaining 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and the 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue to bake for another 3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and lightly golden. For a slightly more browned or crispy cheese topping, you can briefly place it under the broiler (watch very carefully!).
8. Rest & Serve: Before serving, allow the chicken and broccoli pasta bake to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Pro Tip:

For ultimate creaminess and flavor, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the sauce. This helps it melt smoothly without clumping. Also, don’t overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue to cook slightly during the bake.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a complete, satisfying meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with a few simple additions.

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.
• Other Cheesy Favorites: If you’re a fan of rich, cheesy, and easy comfort foods, consider serving this alongside other crowd-pleasers like Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for a fun, casual meal.
• Family Dinner: This dish is designed to be a perfect family dinner, easy to make and universally loved.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This pasta bake makes for fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld.

• Storage: Store any leftover Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken considerably as it cools.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until warmed through. For larger portions, reheat in an oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, until heated through.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once completely cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers or a freezer-safe dish, wrapped tightly. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this chicken and pasta bake, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another incredibly satisfying and easy-to-make chicken and rice dish, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• If you’re a fan of easy cheesy chicken dishes, don’t miss Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• For an addictive cheesy bite, you can’t go wrong with Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive.
• And for a creamy pasta dish with seafood, my Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a must-try.

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Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a true culinary hug, offering warmth, flavor, and incredible cheesiness in one convenient dish. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal without all the fuss. Dive into this rich, comforting bake, and watch it become a new family favorite!

What’s your secret ingredient for making a casserole extra comforting? Share your tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.