Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Creamy Cheesy, Family Favorite

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is one of those recipes that feels both nourishing and comforting, the kind of meal you’ll actually want to make after a long day. Hi, I’m Amanda — welcome to my kitchen at HealthyMealRecipe. I’m 50, and my love for food began beside my grandmother, stirring simple soups and baking bread from scratch. What started as survival cooking during busy years grew into a way of grounding myself and sharing recipes that truly work. Now, with Lina by my side, we create healthy chicken recipes for real families — practical, flavorful, and always made with care.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Comfort in a Dish

This recipe blends the creamy, cheesy goodness of a casserole with the freshness of broccoli. Every bite is hearty yet balanced.

Quick and Practical

Made with everyday ingredients, this pasta bake is weeknight-friendly. You don’t need to fuss—just cook, mix, bake, and serve.

Family-Approved

Even picky eaters usually go for the cheesy top and tender pasta hidden underneath. It’s a reliable go-to when you need dinner that pleases.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Prepare it earlier in the day, refrigerate, then bake when ready. Perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Swaps

• Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber
• Swap cheddar with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor
• Try cauliflower instead of broccoli for a twist

Pantry Staples

Most of the seasonings—garlic, salt, pepper—are things you likely already have at home.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Steam the Broccoli

Steam broccoli florets until tender but still bright green. This keeps them from turning mushy when baked.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook for one minute, then whisk in milk slowly until smooth. Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it thicken to a creamy sauce.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Broccoli

In a large bowl, mix pasta, shredded chicken, and broccoli. Pour the creamy sauce over and stir until everything is coated.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella over the top. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors

The mild chicken offers a gentle base, while the broccoli brings an earthy freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Combined with creamy cheese, every bite feels satisfying without being heavy.

Cheesy Goodness

Using both cheddar and mozzarella is intentional—cheddar adds sharp, tangy notes while mozzarella gives that irresistible stretchy pull. Together, they make the top layer golden and bubbly, while still melting smoothly into the sauce.

Texture Contrast

Broccoli is steamed separately before being added, so it keeps a tender bite instead of turning mushy. Pasta stays firm enough to hold its shape, while the sauce clings to every curve and corner.

Easy Sauce Base

The roux—just butter and flour cooked briefly—acts like the backbone of the sauce. It keeps the milk from curdling, prevents lumps, and ensures a creamy, silky texture.

Oven Magic

Once baked, the dish transforms. The sauce thickens slightly, flavors marry together, and the cheese topping turns golden, forming that crust everyone fights over at the table.

Variations You Can Try

Spicy Kick

Mix in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to give the creamy sauce a little fire.

Extra Veggies

Don’t stop at broccoli—peas, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers add extra color and nutrients while keeping the dish balanced.

Protein Swap

Leftover turkey, diced ham, or canned tuna all work beautifully in place of chicken. This makes the recipe flexible for whatever you have on hand.

Lighter Version

Swap whole milk for skim, choose reduced-fat cheese, and use a smaller amount of pasta for a lighter but still comforting bake.

Kid-Friendly Twist

Skip the extra layer of cheese and top with crushed buttery crackers or even goldfish crackers. Kids love the crunchy topping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking Pasta

Because the pasta bakes in the oven, boil it just until al dente. This keeps it from turning soft and mushy later.

Skipping the Roux

Don’t rush the sauce—without the roux, the milk won’t thicken properly, leaving you with a watery base instead of a creamy one.

Not Seasoning Enough

Cheese alone won’t season the whole dish. Salt the pasta water, season the sauce, and taste before baking.

Adding Raw Broccoli

Broccoli straight from the fridge won’t soften enough in the oven. A quick steam first keeps it tender, bright, and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the pasta bake, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze chicken and broccoli pasta bake?

Absolutely. Bake it, let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight portions. Reheat in the oven for best results—it will stay creamy and comforting even after thawing.

What pasta works best?

Short shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are perfect because they hold the sauce in their ridges. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti, which don’t bake as evenly.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the roux with a gluten-free blend. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same.

notes Final Encouragement

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to bring comfort. This chicken and broccoli pasta bake is proof that the most ordinary ingredients can turn into something that makes a tired night feel a little brighter. Serve it up, share it, and let it remind you that even small, simple meals can carry a big piece of joy.