Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Imagine sinking your fork into a bubbling casserole of tender chicken pieces, perfectly al dente pasta, and vibrant green broccoli florets—all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a golden, crispy top. This Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is comfort food elevated to new heights, combining protein, vegetables, and carbs in one satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile pasta bake delivers exceptional flavor without complicated techniques. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-worthy pasta bake that’s both nutritious and indulgent using simple ingredients from your pantry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation for so many reasons. The contrast between the crispy, cheese-topped surface and the creamy, saucy interior creates an irresistible textural experience in every bite. The tender chicken pieces provide satisfying protein while the broccoli adds nutritional value and a pleasant bite that complements the soft pasta perfectly.

What makes this cheesy chicken pasta bake special is its adaptability—it’s fancy enough for weekend dinners yet simple enough for busy weeknights. The entire dish comes together in one casserole dish, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor as all the ingredients meld together during baking. The combination of herbs and seasonings creates depth without overwhelming the palate, and the cheese blend on top delivers that Instagram-worthy cheese pull that everyone loves.

Plus, this chicken broccoli pasta casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches that taste just as good as when first served.

Ingredients

For this delicious Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, you’ll need:

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
• 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups (280g) fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cups (473ml) chicken broth
• 1½ cups (355ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (226g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor, and fresh broccoli rather than frozen for optimal texture. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates the perfect cheese blend—mozzarella for that stretchy, melty goodness and Parmesan for its sharp, savory depth.

Pro Tips

Use Properly Seasoned Chicken
For the most flavorful Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, never skip seasoning your chicken before cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper and consider adding a touch of garlic powder. Sear the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown but not fully cooked through—they’ll finish cooking in the oven, resulting in perfectly juicy meat rather than dry, overcooked pieces.

Pasta Perfection
Cook your pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. This al dente pasta will absorb some of the sauce during baking without becoming mushy. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid can be added to the sauce if it needs thinning, and the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.

Create Layers of Flavor
Build flavor at every stage. Sauté the aromatics until fragrant and slightly golden before adding other ingredients. When making the sauce, allow it to simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly and intensify flavors. For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions and garlic, letting it reduce before continuing with the recipe.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Cook Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate for al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to blanch them. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, then set aside. This brief cooking ensures your broccoli maintains its vibrant color and pleasant bite in the final dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden but not completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a touch more oil if needed. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the Italian herbs and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to toast the spices slightly and release their aromas.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (this is where the flavor lives!). Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then add the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in half of both cheeses until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine and Bake
In a large mixing bowl or directly in your baking dish, combine the partially cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, and chicken pieces. Pour the creamy sauce over everything and gently fold to ensure even coating. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Transfer to the prepared baking dish if you haven’t already. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and developing golden spots. For an extra golden top, broil for the final 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving your delicious Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version
Transform your Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta into a vegetable medley by adding 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1 diced bell pepper, and a handful of baby spinach. Sauté the mushrooms and bell pepper with the onions until softened, and fold in the spinach with the pasta (it will wilt naturally from the heat). This variation boosts the nutritional profile while adding beautiful colors and complementary flavors to the creamy pasta bake.

Spicy Cajun Twist
For those who enjoy heat, create a Cajun-inspired version by replacing the Italian herbs with 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Add ½ cup diced red bell pepper and use smoked gouda in place of some of the mozzarella for a smoky flavor profile. The spicy kick pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce, creating a bold chicken broccoli pasta dish with distinctive Southern flair.

Dairy-Free Alternative
Make this dish dairy-free by replacing heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and using your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. The coconut milk adds richness without a strong coconut flavor once combined with the other ingredients. Nutritional yeast (2-3 tablespoons) can also be added to enhance the cheesy flavor profile without actual cheese.

Storage and Serving

This Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating refrigerated portions, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revitalize the sauce, then microwave until hot throughout. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Serve this comforting pasta bake with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for sopping up the delicious sauce. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

For an elevated presentation, serve individual portions in shallow bowls topped with additional fresh herbs, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but don’t pre-cook it with the pasta. Instead, thaw it completely, pat it dry to remove excess moisture, and add it directly to the mixture before baking.

How can I make this Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta ahead of time?
Prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply skip the chicken cooking step and fold about 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken into the pasta mixture before baking.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use part-skim mozzarella. You can also increase the ratio of broccoli to pasta for more vegetables and fewer carbs.

What other pasta shapes work well in this recipe?
Any medium pasta shape that holds sauce well works great—try fusilli, rotini, farfalle (bow ties), or medium shells. Avoid very small pasta like orzo or very large shapes like lasagna noodles.

Conclusion

This Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh broccoli enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that satisfies with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. The beauty of this pasta bake lies in its ability to deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, proving that homemade meals can be both impressive and attainable. As you share this dish with family and friends, you’ll appreciate not just its delicious taste but the way it creates moments of connection around your table.

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