Chicken broccoli pasta casserole always saves me on those chaotic nights when everyone’s tired and hungry—and honestly, takeout just isn’t an option. You know the feeling. Dinnertime sneaks up, there’s laundry tossed everywhere, and oh great, the dog’s barking at the mailman (again). That’s when I’m reaching for this recipe. It’s warm, it’s homey, and with stuff like chicken, broccoli, and pasta, it feels like a hug on a plate. If you’re into easy one-pot meals, you might love this savory crockpot chicken pasta or maybe try a zesty twist with bold and flavorful Mexican chicken salad for a lighter night.
You will love this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
I absolutely need a recipe that ticks a few boxes for me: simple, quick, and, let’s be real, pretty forgiving. Chicken broccoli pasta casserole? Checks ‘em all. There’s basically zero fuss. My family demolishes it every single time. Okay, even my picky kid (he’s suspicious of anything green unless it’s an M&M) will sneak seconds if the cheese-to-veggie ratio is just right. Plus, I always end up with leftovers, which—major bonus—taste just as good the next day. You can prep it ahead if you like, which I do sometimes when the energy bug bites earlier in the afternoon.
It’s flexible, too. You’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken? In it goes. Frozen broccoli? That works. Oh, and don’t stress about measuring cheese to the gram. Just eyeball it, taste, and trust your judgment.
“My 10-year-old asked for thirds the first time I made this casserole. That never happens. It’s top-tier comfort food for our family!” – Maggie, weeknight dinner hero
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Alright, here’s how it goes down in my kitchen. I don’t get too fancy—just real food, cooked smart. You’re looking at about 15 minutes of hands-on time, which, let’s be honest, might be less than scrolling Instagram while waiting for delivery.
Start off by boiling your favorite pasta. Penne or rotini are champs at holding sauce, but use whatever’s in the pantry. While that’s happening, give your broccoli florets a quick steam. No steamer basket? Toss them right in with the pasta for the last couple minutes. It totally works.
While all that’s bubbling, cook your chicken—either cube up raw breast (sauté till golden and cooked) or, shortcut time, just shred a store-bought rotisserie bird. Mix in a big bowl with cooked pasta, broccoli, plenty of shredded cheese (cheddar’s my jam but mix it up!), plus a can of cream of chicken soup or a homemade quick white sauce if you’ve got the extra five minutes.
Smoosh it all together (technical term). Pour into a casserole dish. Throw on more cheese and maybe some crushed crackers or panko for crunch. Bake at 375 until bubbly and golden-brown on top, about 20 minutes. Dinner: solved.
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe Variations
Here’s where you can have some fun. This chicken broccoli pasta casserole is basically a blank slate you can doodle all over. Swap the chicken for leftover turkey. Go half-and-half with cauliflower and broccoli for sneaky veggies. Add cooked bacon bits if you’re feeling wild.
Sometimes I sneak in a handful of frozen peas or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when it’s just the adults around. Different cheeses totally change the vibe, too—gooey mozzarella, nutty Gruyère, even a fistful of Parmesan. Want it extra creamy? Double the cheese and use two cans of soup. Leftovers from a roast chicken? That stuff shreds up beautifully in here.
There have been nights when all I had was canned chicken and a random half-used bag of frozen veg. Guess what? It still worked. That’s the magic, honestly.
What to Serve with this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
This chicken broccoli pasta casserole doesn’t need a ton of extras, but sure, let’s make it feel like a real meal:
- Garlic bread. (Carbs on carbs. I’m not sorry.)
- Simple green side salad with ranch or vinaigrette.
- Sliced tomatoes with salt and cracked pepper.
- Tiny bowl of deliciously creamy broccoli cheese soup for a cozy double-broccoli moment.
This is basically my go-to lineup, just rotates based on what’s wobbling in the fridge. If you need something fuss-free for another night, that quick and easy teriyaki chicken and rice really comes together fast.
How to Store Leftover Broccoli Chicken Pasta
So you made too much (join the club). Chicken broccoli pasta casserole keeps in the fridge for several days without turning into a science experiment. I just let it cool off on the counter, cover with foil or dump into glass containers, and it’ll be good for three-ish days.
Microwave individual portions, add a splash of milk if it’s looking a little dry, and you’re good to go. If you want to reheat the whole thing in the oven, I cover the dish loosely so it doesn’t dry out, and bake at about 325 until warmed through. Yes, you can freeze it—works best if you leave off any crunchy toppings until later.
If you’re planning ahead, this is the casserole you can stash in the freezer, uncooked. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual when you’re ready for those cozy vibes.
Common Questions
Can I make chicken broccoli pasta casserole ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble the whole thing and refrigerate it before baking. Then just pop it in the oven when ready to eat.
Is fresh or frozen broccoli better?
Both are fine. I honestly use whatever’s around. Frozen actually steams up beautifully and is great for lazy days.
What if I don’t have canned soup?
Make a quick white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, then whisk in chicken bouillon or some cheese. Not as fast, but tastier if you ask me.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Heck yes. Penne, rotini, farfalle, elbows—change it up however you want.
Is this healthy?
Well, it’s lighter than takeout pizza, for sure. Add more veggies and use whole wheat pasta to kick it up a little.
Why This Cozy Casserole Always Wins at My House
If you’re after a dinner that’s actually doable after work, this chicken broccoli pasta casserole is, in my very biased opinion, five-star restaurant material (on a sweatpants budget). There’s a reason people keep coming back to classics, and you’ll see it’s as easy as everyone claims. Try out some other awesome dinners like Family Night Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake for more ideas, or peek at Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a slightly different swing on the flavor. If you want a lighter option, Ultra Lazy HEALTHY Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is worth a look too. Trust your tastes, use what you have, and let the kitchen feel fun—not stressful. I hope this recipe brings laughter around your table, even if you have to scrub broccoli off the walls later.
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Boil your favorite pasta in a large pot.
- Steam broccoli florets until tender, about the last few minutes of cooking the pasta, or add them directly to the boiling pasta.
- In a big bowl, combine cooked pasta, broccoli, shredded chicken, and cream of chicken soup.
- Mix in plenty of shredded cheese and combine thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Top with additional cheese and crushed crackers or panko.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
