Get ready to fall in love with a casserole that will make any weeknight dinner feel special — the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake. This hearty, comforting dish has everything you crave in one bubbling pan: tender chicken, just-right broccoli, perfectly-cooked pasta, and an irresistibly creamy, cheesy sauce. With a golden, crunchy topping and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this meal is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding picky kiddos or entertaining good friends. Trust me, you’ll want to add this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake to your regular recipe rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe? The ingredients are simple kitchen staples you probably already have on hand, but each one brings its own magic to the table. Every spoonful offers a balanced burst of flavor, comforting textures, and vibrant color— that’s the secret to an unforgettable Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake.

Pasta: Penne or rotini hold up beautifully and soak up all that dreamy sauce, but you can use any short pasta you love.
Cooked chicken: Shredded or cubed chicken makes this dish hearty and protein-packed—rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver.
Broccoli florets: Lightly steaming broccoli first keeps its color bright and texture tender without going mushy in the oven.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar gives our bake that classic cheesy flavor—use sharp cheddar for an extra punch.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts perfectly and adds irresistibly gooey stretchiness to each bite.
Cream of chicken soup: This forms the creamy backbone of the sauce and brings all flavors together beautifully.
Milk: Helps thin out the sauce and bring everything to that just-right creamy consistency.
Sour cream: Adds delicious tang and silkiness—don’t skip it!
Garlic powder: For a gentle, savory warmth that rounds out the cheesy goodness.
Onion powder: Lends subtle depth to the sauce without any chopping required.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and waking up all the other ingredients.
Black pepper: A touch of pepper adds a gentle kick and complements the cheese.
Breadcrumbs (optional): For the ultimate crispy topping, use plain or seasoned panko or regular breadcrumbs.
Melted butter (if using breadcrumbs): A bit of butter turns the breadcrumb topping perfectly golden and extra flavorful.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First thing’s first: set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s piping hot when you’re ready to bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray—this will make serving (and cleanup!) such a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

Cook your pasta according to the package directions, but make sure to stop at al dente. You want it to have a slight bite, since it’ll do a bit more cooking as the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake bubbles away in the oven. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Grab your largest mixing bowl and whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then, fold in 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese along with all of the mozzarella. You’ll see the sauce take on a thick, luxurious texture—this is what makes our Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake so heavenly!

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake

Now the fun part! Stir the cooked pasta, chicken, and those vibrant broccoli florets right into your sauce. Toss until everything is nicely coated. Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, making sure every scoop gets a good blend of chicken, broccoli, and pasta. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top. If you love that golden crunch, stir together the breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter them over the cheese layer.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole, uncovered, into your hot oven for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the top is golden and slightly crisp. The irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen is your gentle signal it’s almost time to eat!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Patience pays off! Let your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake rest for about 5 minutes before digging in—this keeps the sauce creamy and makes serving much easier. Each bite is sure to be a delightful contrast of creamy, cheesy, crunchy goodness.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake

Garnishes

For a punch of color and freshness, sprinkle your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake with chopped parsley or chives. A touch of extra cracked pepper or even a dusting of parmesan will make each serving pop and look fantastic on the plate.

Side Dishes

This bake is definitely rich and satisfying on its own, but for a complete meal, serve it with a crisp green salad or a pile of roasted vegetables on the side. Warm, crusty garlic bread is another dreamy partner, perfect for scooping up all that extra cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Amp up the fun by dishing out the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or spoon it into hollowed bell peppers before baking for a playful twist. You could even top each serving with a few toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of herby pesto to really make it your own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake keeps beautifully in the fridge—just cover the baking dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making lunches and quick dinners a snap.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your bake, assemble the whole thing (without baking), wrap snugly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed—the breadcrumbs can be added just before baking for ultimate crispness.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave until piping hot, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until bubbly. If the topping looks a bit dry, cover with foil for most of the baking time, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to keep that lovely color and crunch.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this bake?

Absolutely! While broccoli is classic, feel free to swap in cauliflower, spinach, or peas for variety. Just be sure to steam firmer veggies slightly so they bake up nice and tender alongside the pasta and chicken.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely. Make sure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well, and you’re set for a deliciously inclusive Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake.

Can I make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake in advance?

Definitely—assemble everything except the crispy topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just add breadcrumbs and bake as directed. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights or when you’re hosting a crowd.

What’s the best way to cook chicken for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for speed and flavor, but you can also poach, bake, or grill your own and shred or cube it. Leftover roasted chicken works beautifully too!

How do I keep my pasta from getting mushy?

Stick to cooking your pasta just until al dente, and remember it’ll continue to soften as it bakes. Also, make sure your sauce isn’t too thin—using the precise ingredient measurements listed above will ensure perfect texture every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about a dish that brings everyone running to the dinner table, and that’s truly what the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake does best. Give it a try and watch it become one of those recipes you return to again and again—your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!