Name: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells); 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (divided); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping

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Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is the kind of comforting, family-style dish I love pulling out of the oven on busy weeknights. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce, it’s a complete meal in one pan. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor—everything I want from a baked pasta dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this bake brings together simple ingredients in the most delicious way. The cream sauce is velvety and cheesy, coating every bite of pasta and broccoli, while the baked top gets perfectly golden and bubbly. It’s easy to make ahead, great for leftovers, and totally customizable depending on what I have in my fridge. Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
Butter
All-purpose flour
Milk
Chicken broth
Garlic, minced
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper
Optional: breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
I boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente, adding the broccoli to the pot during the last 2–3 minutes. I drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat, add the garlic, then whisk in the flour to make a roux.
I slowly add the milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. I let it simmer until slightly thickened.
I stir in half the shredded cheese and season with salt and pepper until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and sauce. I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
I top with the remaining cheese and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if I want extra crunch.
I bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. I let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of bake time, totaling 40 minutes.

Variations

If I want more veggies, I throw in peas or mushrooms. For a lighter version, I use low-fat milk and skip the breadcrumb topping. When I’m craving spice, I mix in a little Dijon mustard or red pepper flakes into the sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until hot. If it dries out a bit, I stir in a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess. It also freezes well—I freeze it before baking and bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed. Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I often use shredded rotisserie chicken—it saves time and adds great flavor.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. I assemble everything, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day. I bake it just before serving.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I use frozen florets—just thaw and drain them before mixing into the bake.

What cheese works best?

I like using mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for flavor, but cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack also work beautifully.

Is this kid-friendly?

Definitely. The creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and mild broccoli flavor make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is a cozy, all-in-one dinner that always satisfies. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or making ahead for busy nights. With tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a creamy sauce that ties it all together, this bake earns a regular spot in my dinner rotation.