If you’ve been craving a comforting, wholesome meal that comes together effortlessly, then this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all wrapped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes up golden and irresistibly bubbly. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy, savory, and fresh, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to contribute layers of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll be amazed at how simple pantry staples and fresh produce transform into something incredibly satisfying.
- Boneless chicken breasts: Use 3-4 pieces totaling about 1 pound for tender, juicy protein that’s the heart of the dish.
- Broccoli florets: Two cups of fresh or frozen broccoli add a lovely crunch and pop of green that brightens the whole bake.
- Penne or fusilli pasta: 8 ounces uncooked pasta works perfectly to hold all the creamy goodness and cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese: One cup shredded for that melty, stringy, gooey cheese pull everyone loves.
- Cheddar cheese: Another cup shredded adds depth and a slight tang to balance the creaminess.
- Cream of mushroom soup: One can acts as the secret sauce base, creating the luscious, comforting texture throughout.
- Garlic powder: Just a teaspoon for a subtle savory kick that brings everything alive.
- Salt: To taste, enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Pepper: To taste, for just a touch of mild heat and earthiness.
- Olive oil: Two tablespoons for cooking the chicken to a beautiful golden brown and adding richness.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and ready for baking later on. Then, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Remember, you want it firm enough to hold up baking but tender to enjoy. Near the end of the pasta cooking time, toss in your broccoli florets for the last two minutes to soften them just right.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your boneless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until both sides have a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Once cooked through, let the chicken rest briefly, then dice it into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every forkful of the bake is packed with tender chicken goodness.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Drain the pasta and broccoli well, then mix them in a large bowl with your diced chicken. Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. This blend creates a creamy, flavorful base that coats every piece beautifully, preparing it perfectly for the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your pasta and chicken mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake until the cheese topping is bubbly and browned to perfection, usually about 20 minutes. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely dreamy.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this classic comfort dish, consider sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top right after baking for a fresh, vibrant contrast. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a punch of flavor if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This bake is quite hearty on its own, but if you want to make it a fuller meal, a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or crispy roasted potatoes are also excellent companions for soaking up any leftover cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins or cast iron skillets for that personal, rustic feel. It also looks stunning layered in a clear casserole dish so guests can admire all the cheesy, colorful layers before diving in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, you can store any leftover Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal that’s super quick to reheat.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to avoid sogginess and keep that bubbly cheese texture. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I recommend covering the dish to retain moisture and heating in short bursts to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! Cauliflower, spinach, or even peas work well and offer their own unique flavors and textures. Just adjust cooking times so veggies stay tender but not mushy.
What type of pasta is best for this bake?
Penne and fusilli are fantastic because their shapes hold onto sauce and cheese wonderfully. Rigatoni and rotini also work well for the same reason.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety and check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free. The dish stays delicious without compromise.
Is it possible to use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Using pre-cooked chicken cuts down prep time. Just shred or dice the rotisserie chicken and skip the cooking step accordingly.
How do I make this dish less creamy or lighter?
Try substituting half of the cream of mushroom soup with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt to lighten things up without losing creaminess. You can also reduce the cheese amounts slightly if desired.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its simplicity and wholesome ingredients come together in a way that’s both comforting and satisfying. I hope you give this recipe a whirl and enjoy every cheesy, tender, flavorful bite as much as I do!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake combining tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, creamy mushroom soup, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a hearty family dinner in under an hour.
Ingredients
Protein
- 3–4 pieces boneless chicken breasts (1 lb total)
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Pasta
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta (uncooked)
Dairy
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Other
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep: Prepare all ingredients by measuring and gathering them. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on both sides.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Cook Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the pasta water during the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking time to blanch them until tender-crisp. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, diced chicken, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- Assemble Bake: Grease a baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray. Transfer the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting chicken broccoli pasta bake warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or a béchamel sauce for a different flavor.
- If using frozen broccoli, ensure it is thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the bake.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like thyme or Italian seasoning in the mix.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
