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Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake
When I make a Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake, it’s like I’m wrapping my family in a warm hug. This dish is the quintessential comfort food that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy pasta all in one delightful bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave something cozy, it fills bellies and warms hearts. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love Making It
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and ease. It’s budget-friendly, taking advantage of ingredients you might already have on hand, and it’s a fantastic way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters. With its creamy, cheesy goodness, this pasta bake is sure to be a family favorite. Plus, it’s quick to prepare—ideal for those hectic evenings when you need a hearty meal on the table fast.
“Family approved! This has quickly become a staple in our household. It’s easy to make, and the kids love it!” — Happy Cook
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It
Creating a Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich creamy sauce, then bake it until bubbly and golden. The process is simple, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks.
What You’ll Need
To whip up this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work great)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup milk (can substitute with cream for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crunchy topping)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it hot and ready for baking.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and if you like, add breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and golden on top.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in.
🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts
A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:
- ✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
- 🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
- 🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
- 🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
- 🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups
Best Way to Serve
This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake is fantastic on its own or paired with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. You could also serve it with garlic bread for those who love a little extra indulgence. For a complete meal, consider adding grilled asparagus or roasted vegetables on the side.
Storage Tips
To keep your Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake fresh longer, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions; just make sure they’re well wrapped or in freezer-safe containers. When reheating, make sure the dish reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Pro Chef Tips
- Use leftover chicken: If you have rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken, this is the perfect dish to utilize those.
- Cheese variations: Mix and match your cheese! Try adding some parmesan for depth or mozzarella for a gooey melt.
- Broccoli alternatives: Feel free to swap broccoli with spinach, kale, or even peas for different flavors and textures.
Creative Twists
This recipe is a blank canvas! For a Mediterranean flair, try adding sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese. If you’re craving a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or serve it with a drizzle of hot sauce. Veggie lovers can add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Your Questions Answered
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Preparation takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on how quickly you can shred your chicken and chop your broccoli.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape can work—penne, rigatoni, or even orzo will suit this dish. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it more nutritious, consider using whole-grain pasta and swapping out the cream of chicken soup for a homemade version or a low-sodium alternative. Adding more vegetables is always a great way to boost the nutrition level.
With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and ease of preparation, the Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake is an unequivocal winner for any meal. Give it a try, and you might just find your family’s new favorite comfort dish!
Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A warm and comforting pasta bake featuring chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce that delights the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheese and optional breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze portions for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta bake, comfort food, family meal



