Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake – Creamy, Comforting & Easy

This creamy chicken broccoli pasta bake is proof that sometimes the best dinners are born from what’s already in your kitchen. That is exactly how this recipe came to life on a busy night with a fridge full of bits and pieces and a craving for something warm, cheesy, and nourishing

I beleive that good food does not need to be complicated, it just needs to be made with care. This recipe carries that philosophy with simple steps, everyday ingredients, and a balance of comfort and freshness.

What makes this version stand out is the way it solves three common pasta bake frustrations:

• Dry pasta is avoided with the perfect sauce ratio.
• Broccoli stays bright and crisp by blanching before baking.
• Cream cheese creates a rich Alfredo style sauce without feeling too heavy.

It is a health forward, family friendly dish that comes together in one pan, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. For another comforting ‘set it and forget it’ meal, be sure to check out my easy Crockpot Chicken and Veggies recipe.

Snippet Box:
This chicken broccoli pasta bake is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish you can make in one pan — without overcooking your broccoli or drying out the pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

If you are looking for a dinner that feels like comfort food while still offering balanced nutrition, this is it. This healthy chicken and broccoli pasta recipe brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy pasta in a way that is both satisfying and simple.

Here is why it works so well:

• Family approved – both kids and adults love it.
  
• Balanced – protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and energy from pasta. To finish off this balanced meal with a truly healthy dessert, I love making these fudgy gluten and dairy-free brownies.
  
• Easy prep – no complicated steps, just everyday cooking.
  
• Meal prep friendly – tastes just as good the next day.
  

It is a recipe you will want to keep in your regular rotation, especially when you need something that can go from kitchen to table in under an hour.

What is a Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Bake

A chicken broccoli Alfredo pasta bake is a warm and creamy casserole that combines cooked pasta, tender pieces of chicken, and fresh broccoli with a rich Alfredo style sauce. It is then topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly.

In this recipe the Alfredo style sauce is made from scratch using milk, chicken broth, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This makes it creamy and flavorful without being overly heavy. The broccoli is blanched so it stays bright and slightly crisp, while the chicken is cooked just until tender.

The result is a complete meal in one dish that feels indulgent but is still balanced and nourishing.

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

To make this recipe you will need simple fresh ingredients that are easy to find.

• 12 ounces short pasta such as penne, rotini, or shells
  
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into 1 inch cubes
  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
• 1 large yellow onion diced
  
• 3 cloves garlic minced
  
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
  
• 2 cups milk whole or two percent
  
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  
• 4 ounces cream cheese cubed and softened
  
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  
• 1 half teaspoon black pepper
  
• 1 half teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1 and a half cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  
• 1 quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
• Fresh parsley chopped for garnish optional
  

Nutrition note: Broccoli is a source of vitamin C and fiber which may support immune health and digestion.

The Secret to the Perfect Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

Many pasta bakes turn out dry or lose the fresh taste of vegetables. This recipe avoids both issues by using three simple methods.

First we blanch the broccoli during the last few minutes of pasta cooking. This locks in the bright green color and keeps the texture tender yet slightly crisp.

Second we make a sauce with the right balance of milk, broth, and cheese so the pasta stays moist after baking. The cream cheese melts into the sauce to add smoothness without making it too heavy.

Third we keep the baking time short. Just enough to melt the cheese and bring the flavors together without overcooking the pasta or broccoli.

These steps ensure that every bite is creamy, flavorful, and fresh.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

Summary for quick reference: Cook the pasta and broccoli together, prepare a creamy sauce, combine with chicken, top with cheese, and bake until golden.

1. Preheat and prepare
   Preheat the oven to 375°F or 190°C. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
   
2. Cook pasta and broccoli
   Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the last three minutes of cooking add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them. Drain and set aside.
   
3. Cook the chicken
   In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken cubes, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
   
4. Make the creamy sauce
   In the same skillet melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
   
5. Build the roux
   Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for one minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth.
   
6. Add the cheese
   Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cubed cream cheese until melted. Add one cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth. Season with the remaining salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
   

1. Combine and bake
   Fold in the pasta, broccoli, and chicken until coated in sauce. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
   
2. Top and bake
   Sprinkle the remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
   
3. Rest and serve
   Let the pasta bake rest for five minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Variations for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste or dietary needs.

One pot chicken broccoli pasta

Prepare the pasta, broccoli, and sauce in the same large pot on the stove. Combine the ingredients and serve immediately without baking for an even faster meal.

Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta

Skip the baking step and enjoy the dish straight from the skillet. This keeps the sauce extra creamy and the broccoli bright.

Dairy free option

Replace the cream cheese and mozzarella with a plant based cheese alternative or homemade cashew cream. Choose a dairy free Parmesan style topping for the final sprinkle.

Serving and Storing Your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

Serving ideas
This dish is satisfying on its own but pairs well with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness. Warm garlic bread makes it extra comforting. For a lighter option serve with roasted vegetables. And for a perfect, cozy drink to pair with this meal, you have to try this homemade dirty chai tea latte.

Storing
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.

Freezing
For longer storage freeze in individual portions. Wrap well and place in a freezer safe container for up to two months.

Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or 175°C until heated through. For a quicker option use the microwave, stirring halfway through to keep the sauce smooth.

Key Takeaways

• Blanching the broccoli keeps it bright and slightly crisp.
  
• The sauce ratio ensures creamy pasta without dryness.
  
• Baking just long enough melts the cheese while keeping textures fresh.
  
• This recipe can be made ahead and reheats well for busy days.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

Lena

A creamy and comforting pasta bake with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy homemade sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 667 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces short pasta such as penne rotini, or shells
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 cups milk whole or two percent
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese cubed and softened
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1 half teaspoon black pepper
• 1 half teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 and a half cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• 1 quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley chopped for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat and prepare
• Preheat the oven to 375°F or 190°C. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
• Cook pasta and broccoli
• Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the last three minutes of cooking add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the chicken
• In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken cubes, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the creamy sauce
• In the same skillet melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
• Build the roux
• Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for one minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth.
• Add the cheese
• Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cubed cream cheese until melted. Add one cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth. Season with the remaining salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Combine and bake
• Fold in the pasta, broccoli, and chicken until coated in sauce. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
• Top and bake
• Sprinkle the remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
• Rest and serve
• Let the pasta bake rest for five minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Blanch broccoli to keep it bright and crisp.
• Use enough sauce to avoid dryness when reheating.

Keyword chicken broccoli pasta bake, chicken broccoli pasta casserole, creamy chicken and broccoli pasta

Conclusion

This chicken broccoli pasta bake is a reliable recipe for nights when you need something warm, creamy, and satisfying without a long list of complicated steps. It blends everyday ingredients into a dish that feels special and comforting.

What’s your favorite go-to comfort food for a busy night? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! And for another amazing make-ahead breakfast, this creamy Raspberry Chia Pudding is a must-try.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake: Your Questions Answered