Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is the definition of comfort food perfection. Tender pasta, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli are enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. Each forkful delivers a satisfying combination of creamy, cheesy goodness balanced with the freshness of broccoli — it’s hearty, wholesome, and deeply comforting.

This dish is a family favorite that brings warmth to the table every time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a make-ahead meal for guests, this pasta bake is both nourishing and crowd-pleasing. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of creamy comfort and nutritious ingredients. The chicken provides lean protein, the broccoli adds color and crunch, and the cheesy cream sauce ties everything together beautifully.

It’s a one-pan wonder — rich, filling, and easily adaptable to whatever you have on hand. The aroma of creamy cheese bubbling in the oven fills the kitchen with pure happiness, and the golden crust on top is simply irresistible.

Plus, it’s the perfect solution for using up leftover chicken or rotisserie meat — no fancy techniques required, just delicious home-cooked goodness.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a must-try because:

• It’s a full meal in one dish — carbs, veggies, and protein.
• It’s perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
• It freezes and reheats beautifully.
• The creamy cheese sauce is rich but not heavy.
• It transforms simple ingredients into a cozy, restaurant-quality bake.

If you love pasta, cheese, and creamy casseroles — this one is guaranteed to become a regular in your kitchen.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~520 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
• Course: Main Course / Family Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake:

• 350 g (12 oz) penne or rotini pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Topping:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ¼ cup extra shredded cheese (optional for topping)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Boil pasta and blanch broccoli.
2. Make a creamy cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and Parmesan.
3. Combine pasta, chicken, broccoli, and sauce in a baking dish.
4. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

1. In the same boiling water, blanch broccoli florets for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Add salt, pepper, onion powder, and thyme.
6. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce.
2. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
3. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
4. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (optional).

How to Serve

Serve the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake hot, straight from the oven.
It pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad
• Garlic bread or buttery rolls
• A light white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for a professional finish.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta — it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a classic creamy depth.
• You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
• For extra creaminess, add a spoon of cream cheese or ricotta to the sauce.
• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or provolone for a deeper flavor.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, peas, or spinach.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower florets instead of pasta.
• Bacon Lover’s Bake: Add crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour for the sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked pasta for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat:
  • From fridge: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
  • From freezer: Thaw overnight, then bake covered until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Saucepan for making the cream sauce
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk and wooden spoon

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Thaw it first and pat dry to prevent excess water in the sauce.

Q3: Can I use another protein?
Yes! Try turkey, ham, or even shrimp for variety.

Q4: Can I make this without cream?
Use more milk and a bit of cream cheese for a lighter sauce.

Q5: My sauce is too thick — what should I do?
Whisk in a bit more milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a timeless, family-friendly meal that brings together everything we love about home cooking — comfort, flavor, and simplicity. The creamy sauce clings to every bite of pasta, the broccoli adds freshness, and the golden cheese topping is pure satisfaction.

It’s hearty enough to please adults and mild enough for kids — a true all-around winner. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this pasta bake will never let you down.