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Why This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe Works

What You’ll Need for Your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

How to Make Easy One-Dish Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Serving and Storage Tips for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Mistakes to Avoid while making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Suggestions for Customizing Your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Easy One-Dish Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake – Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Name: Easy One-Dish Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Rotini or Fusilli pasta; 1 lb diced chicken breast or thighs (or rotisserie chicken); 1 large crown of broccoli, cut into small florets; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 5-6 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken stock; 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk; 2/3 cup half-and-half; 2 tsp dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups grated cheese (sharp cheddar + colby jack, divided)

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines protein, veggies, and carbs in one delicious dish? This cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake is exactly what you need! This one-dish wonder brings together tender chicken chunks, nutritious broccoli florets, and al dente pasta all smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this cheesy chicken broccoli pasta casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

One-dish meal means less cleanup and more time enjoying your evening after dinner is done!
Balanced nutrition with protein from chicken, fiber and vitamins from broccoli, and energy-providing carbohydrates from pasta all in one satisfying dish.
Make-ahead friendly – prepare earlier in the day and bake when you’re ready to eat, or freeze for future meals when you’re too busy to cook.
Kid-approved flavors with creamy cheese sauce and familiar ingredients that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Versatile recipe that can be customized with different cheeses, seasonings, or add-ins based on what you have available in your pantry.

Why This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe Works

This cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake has been perfected to ensure a foolproof, delicious result every time. The secret lies in the cooking method that builds layers of flavor. By sautéing the chicken first, you create a flavorful base in the pan that enhances everything that follows. Then, using the same pan for the sauce allows you to incorporate all those tasty browned bits from the chicken.

The combination of evaporated milk and half-and-half creates the perfect creamy texture without being too heavy or separating during baking. Adding dijon mustard might seem unusual, but it’s the secret ingredient that enhances the cheese flavor without making the dish taste mustardy. It adds depth that will have everyone asking for your secret!

Another reason this recipe works so well is the cooking technique for the broccoli. Rather than pre-cooking it, the broccoli bakes in the casserole, allowing it to maintain its structure while absorbing the delicious flavors of the sauce. This method gives you perfectly tender-crisp broccoli instead of the mushy results that often happen with casseroles.

For cheese lovers, this recipe delivers that satisfying cheese pull with each bite thanks to the two-stage cheese addition – some mixed into the sauce for flavor and creaminess, and the rest sprinkled on top for that beautiful golden, bubbly finish. The Food Network’s approach to cheesy pasta dishes confirms that this two-stage cheese method creates the most satisfying results.

What You’ll Need for Your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Creating this comforting one-dish meal requires a few key ingredients and tools. Let’s break down everything you’ll need to prepare this family-friendly casserole.

Ingredients

Pasta: 1 pound of Rotini or Fusilli pasta works best as the spiral shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Chicken: 1 pound diced and seasoned. You can use fresh chicken breasts or thighs, or save time with rotisserie chicken.
Broccoli: 1 large crown broken into small florets provides color, nutrition, and a pleasant texture contrast.
Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced) and 5 minced garlic cloves build the flavor foundation.
Sauce base: 5-6 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 cup chicken stock, 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, and 2/3 cup half-and-half.
Flavor enhancers: 2 teaspoons dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cheese: 2 cups total of grated cheese (sharp cheddar and colby jack work wonderfully together).

Similar to the popular Allrecipes chicken and broccoli casserole, this dish relies on quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly.

Tools

Large skillet: For sautéing chicken and making the sauce
Large pot: For boiling pasta
9×13 casserole dish: The perfect size for this family meal
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions
Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping chicken, broccoli, and aromatics
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring without scratching your cookware
Cheese grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded
Aluminum foil: For tenting the chicken while it rests

How to Make Easy One-Dish Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Preheat and prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This higher temperature ensures a beautiful golden top and helps the broccoli cook perfectly.
Cook the chicken: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your seasoned diced chicken and cook until no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes, flipping just once to ensure even browning. Once cooked, transfer to a bowl and tent with foil to keep warm.
Create the flavor base: In the same pan (don’t clean it – those browned bits add flavor!), add a few more tablespoons of olive oil. Add your thinly sliced onions and sauté for about 4 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly. Cook for one minute to remove the raw flour taste. This roux will thicken your sauce beautifully.
Cook the pasta: While working on your sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta to al dente according to package directions. Remember, it will cook a bit more in the oven, so slightly undercooked is better than overcooked.
Create the sauce: Gradually pour the chicken stock into the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the evaporated milk, half-and-half, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer and begins to thicken.
Add cheese to the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of the grated cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Combine components: In your 9×13 casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, and cooked chicken. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
Add sauce and bake: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture, tossing well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Add finishing cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown in spots.

Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly and makes serving easier.

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Chef's Helpful Tips

For extra flavor, season your pasta water generously with salt – it should taste like sea water. This seasons the pasta from the inside out as it absorbs the water during cooking.
Grate your own cheese rather than using pre-packaged shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting and affect the texture of your sauce.
Don’t rinse your pasta after cooking! The starch on the surface helps the sauce adhere better. Just drain well and add directly to your casserole dish.
For perfectly cooked broccoli that’s not mushy, cut the florets into similar-sized pieces. Smaller florets will cook more quickly in the oven, while keeping them consistent ensures even cooking.
If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Simply shred or dice the meat and add it to the casserole – no cooking required!

Serving and Storage Tips for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but there are several ways to serve and store it for maximum enjoyment. When properly stored, this dish maintains its delicious flavor and texture for several days, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.

For storage, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess, as the pasta will absorb some of the sauce during storage. Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15-20 minutes).

This dish also freezes beautifully. For best results, freeze before baking. Assemble the casserole as directed, but instead of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. For a similar approach to freezer-friendly casseroles, check out Silver’s Savory Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.

Serving Tips

Simple sides: Pair with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Garnish options: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving to add color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Make it an occasion: Serve with a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a casual dinner party.
Family style: Place the hot casserole dish on a trivet in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves for a homey, communal dining experience.
Portion control: For meal prep, divide into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Mistakes to Avoid while making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Even though this cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake is relatively straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.

First, don’t overcook your pasta. Since it will continue cooking in the oven, aim for al dente or even slightly underdone when boiling. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the casserole. Similarly, avoid using small pasta shapes that might get lost in the sauce – stick with medium shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne that hold up well to baking.

Another common mistake is not properly thickening the sauce. The roux (flour and fat mixture) needs to cook for at least one minute to remove the raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown too much or it will alter the flavor. When adding liquids to the roux, do so gradually while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Don’t skip the step of tenting the chicken with foil after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender, flavorful chicken. Cutting into chicken immediately after cooking causes those flavorful juices to run out onto your cutting board instead of staying in the meat.

Finally, resist the urge to stir the casserole during baking. Opening the oven frequently lets out heat and extends cooking time. More importantly, stirring will disturb the cheese topping and prevent it from forming that desirable golden crust. For more tips on perfecting casseroles, check out our Ultimate Chicken Casserole guide.

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You Must Know

Temperature matters for cheese sauce! If your sauce is too hot when you add the cheese, it can separate and become grainy. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly before adding cheese for the smoothest result.
Fresh broccoli works best in this recipe. Frozen broccoli releases too much water during baking and can make your casserole soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before adding.
Don’t substitute the evaporated milk with regular milk. Evaporated milk has a higher protein content and less water, which helps create a stable, creamy sauce that won’t curdle during baking.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This isn’t just to avoid burning your mouth – it allows the sauce to set slightly so it clings to the pasta rather than running all over your plate.

Suggestions for Customizing Your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

One of the best things about this cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some delicious ways to make this recipe your own:

Cheese variations: While the recipe calls for sharp cheddar and colby jack, feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gruyère adds a sophisticated nutty flavor, while pepper jack introduces a pleasant heat. Parmesan mixed with mozzarella creates an Italian-inspired version. For a more complex flavor profile, try adding a small amount of blue cheese or smoked gouda to the mix.

Protein swaps: Not a fan of chicken or want to try something different? Substitute with turkey, ham, or even cooked Italian sausage. For a seafood twist, cooked shrimp or flaked salmon work beautifully. Vegetarians can use chickpeas, white beans, or plant-based chicken substitutes instead. For inspiration on seafood pasta dishes, check out our Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe.

Veggie additions: While broccoli is the star, you can add or substitute other vegetables. Try cauliflower florets, peas, asparagus pieces, sautéed mushrooms, or diced red bell peppers. For a more substantial dish, consider adding spinach or kale (just wilt it first and squeeze out excess moisture).

Flavor boosters: Enhance the flavor profile with additions like sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat, while a splash of white wine in the sauce brings acidity and depth.

Dietary adaptations: Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and replacing the flour in the roux with cornstarch (mix with cold water first, then add to the hot liquid). For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of half-and-half and reduce the amount of cheese.

FAQs:

Can I make this cheesy chicken broccoli pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble everything as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

How do I know when my cheesy chicken broccoli pasta is done baking?

The casserole is done when the cheese on top is melted and beginning to brown in spots, and the edges are bubbly. The broccoli should be tender-crisp when pierced with a fork. If the top is browning too quickly but the casserole isn’t heated through, cover loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.

Can I use frozen broccoli in this cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake?

While fresh broccoli provides the best texture, you can use frozen in a pinch. Thaw it completely first and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Skip the pre-cooking step since frozen broccoli is already blanched. Add it directly to the casserole before baking.

What's the best pasta shape to use for cheesy chicken broccoli pasta?

Medium-sized pasta shapes with ridges or curves work best as they capture and hold the creamy sauce. Rotini, fusilli, penne, farfalle (bow ties), or medium shells are all excellent choices. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or very small shapes like orzo which don’t work as well in casseroles.

Is there a way to make this cheesy chicken broccoli pasta healthier?

Yes! Use whole wheat pasta for more fiber, reduce the cheese by 1/3, and substitute the half-and-half with 2% milk. You can increase the vegetable content by adding extra broccoli or other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. For the protein, use skinless chicken breast instead of thighs for less fat. These changes maintain the comfort-food appeal while boosting the nutritional profile.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This easy one-dish cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake truly delivers on all fronts – convenience, flavor, and satisfaction. It brings together the comfort of a home-cooked meal with the ease of preparation that busy lives demand. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and al dente pasta all enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce creates a balanced meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

What makes this dish particularly special is its versatility. Whether you’re feeding a family on a weeknight, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this cheesy chicken broccoli pasta fits the bill. The ability to customize it based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences makes it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Beyond just being delicious, this casserole represents what home cooking is all about – bringing people together around the table to share a satisfying meal made with care. For more comforting recipes that bring joy to your table, be sure to check out our dessert recipes to complete your meal.

So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, remember this cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake – a simple yet impressive dish that proves comfort food can be both easy and special.