Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra melt)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth. Cook until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cheddar, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
- Combine pasta, broccoli, chicken, and sauce. Pour into prepared dish.
- Top with mozzarella (if using).
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- For extra crunch, add buttered breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. The homemade cream sauce is velvety and flavorful, made from scratch with butter, milk, and savory seasonings, then blended with melted cheddar and Parmesan for a satisfying depth of flavor. As it bakes, the casserole becomes bubbly and golden on top, while the inside stays creamy and hearty.
The broccoli adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast to the richness of the sauce, making it a balanced and family-friendly meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole comes together easily using simple pantry staples and leftover chicken. It’s warm, filling, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike. Serve it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete and comforting dinner everyone will love.
