Easy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

When you’re craving a comforting home-cooked meal that requires minimal effort, look no further than this delicious broccoli chicken pasta casserole recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s quick to prep and sure to satisfy everyone around the table. Incorporating wholesome ingredients like broccoli and chicken, it also offers a balanced meal in one easy dish.

I first encountered this hearty dish at a family gathering, where my aunt served it with a side of garlic bread. The blend of creamy cheese with tender chicken and broccoli instantly won me over. Ever since then, this dish has become a go-to in my household, enjoyed by even the pickiest eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Time-Saving: Prepare in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more family time.
• Kid-Friendly: A surefire way to get kids to eat their veggies.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt for different flavors or dietary needs.

Ingredients Notes

Fresh or frozen broccoli work equally well, offering flexibility based on what you have on hand. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast for a leaner option, or use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. For the pasta, penne or rotini are ideal due to their shape but feel free to use what you prefer. Don’t forget the cheese—cheddar provides a nice sharpness, while mozzarella gives gooey meltiness.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

Add broccoli to the skillet with a splash of water, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove from heat.

Step 5

In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli with cheese and your choice of sauce (alfredo or a simple homemade bechamel works well). Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Storage Options

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is also freezer-friendly; simply allow it to cool, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Variations & Substitutions

• Substitute gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
• Opt for dairy-free cheese and sauce for a lactose-intolerant-friendly version.
• Incorporate other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish piping hot at casual family dinners or potlucks. Pair it with a side salad or warm crusty bread to round out the meal. It’s also great for entertaining since it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with a glass of white wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients, assemble the casserole, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for make-ahead meal planning.

What type of cheese works best in this recipe? You can use a mix of different cheeses to suit your taste. Cheddar gives a sharpness, mozzarella provides a classic melt, and parmesan adds a nice hint of nuttiness. Feel free to mix and match based on what you enjoy.

How do I ensure the chicken remains tender in the casserole? To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking in the skillet during initial preparation. It will continue to cook in the oven, blending beautifully with the other ingredients.

Easy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

This easy broccoli chicken pasta casserole is a wholesome, filling meal perfect for family dinners. Combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy pasta, it's a satisfying one-dish recipe.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 8 oz pasta uncooked, any short pasta like penne or fusilli
• ▢ 2 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
• ▢ 1 lb chicken breast skinless, boneless, sliced into cubes
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking the chicken
• ▢ 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz can
• ▢ 1 cup milk
• ▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
• ▢ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ▢ 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
• ▢ 0.25 tsp black pepper or to taste

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the cubed chicken breast. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, broccoli florets, cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.