Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike. Inspired by everything I love about a cozy casserole dinner, this dish brings together tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, perfectly cooked pasta, and two layers of glorious melted cheese, all wrapped in a luscious cream sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or wanting delicious leftovers, this is the kind of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell like a hug. Give this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake a try and you’ll see why it’s an instant favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients for this recipe, but don’t let that fool you! Each one pulls its weight, bringing something special to the table—whether it’s flavor, creaminess, or that tempting golden top.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the dish achieve that homey, irresistible fragrance right from the start.
- Chicken thigh filets: Using thighs means extra juiciness and flavor, which stands up beautifully to the creamy sauce.
- Paprika powder: Lends a mild smokiness and gorgeous color to the chicken pieces.
- Onion powder: Gives subtle depth and a slight sweetness without chopping onions.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and balance to the creamy elements.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all those savory flavors to life.
- Dry penne pasta: Perfect for soaking up every drop of the sauce while holding its shape.
- Broccoli: Brings fresh color, a little crunch, and the perfect touch of green to keep things lively.
- Garlic cloves: Crushed whole, they infuse the bake with subtle aromatic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Chopped parsley: Pops in some freshness and a pretty fleck of green throughout the bake.
- Shredded cheese: Creates luscious meltiness—choose a mild, melty cheese like mozzarella or gouda for best results.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and guarantees a beautifully golden crust.
- Heavy cream: Infuses the casserole with an ultra-silky texture and rich mouthfeel.
- Milk: Rounds out the sauce, ensuring it’s indulgent but not too heavy.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by firing up your oven to 390°F (200°C). Getting the oven hot right from the beginning guarantees that everything bakes evenly and that glorious cheesy top turns golden by the end.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken thigh pieces and immediately coat them with paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Searing them for about two minutes per side creates irresistible flavor, a little color, and those delicious pan juices that you’ll add to the bake. Don’t fret—your chicken doesn’t need to cook through, just get a good sear.
Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Grease an 8×10 inch (20×25 cm) casserole dish with the remaining tablespoon of butter. This step ensures nothing sticks and adds extra richness to the edges—little details that make the Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake extra satisfying.
Step 4: Add Pasta, Chicken, and Veggies
Scatter your uncooked penne evenly in the buttered dish. Next, pour over the browned chicken, including all its flavorful juices. Sprinkle in broccoli florets and stems, toss in the whole crushed garlic cloves, and add the parsley. Now shower half of the shredded cheese and half the parmesan over everything and gently mix—don’t worry if it looks rustic!
Step 5: Pour in the Creamy Base and Cheese It Up
Slowly pour both the heavy cream and milk over the mixture, making sure every bit of the pasta is submerged (this is super important for perfect texture). Top with the remaining cheese and parmesan for that mouthwatering finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole onto the center rack and bake for about 1 hour, checking occasionally toward the end. If the cheese is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil. Once the pasta is tender and everything’s bubbling, pull it out and let it stand for at least ten minutes so everything settles into those perfect, creamy layers.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra parmesan shavings just before serving instantly brightens up your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake, adding fresh color and a final burst of savory aroma. If you love a little zip, try a pinch of chili flakes or a light drizzle of good olive oil.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty bake with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls also make wonderful companions, perfect for mopping up every last drop of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake in individual ramekins at a dinner party, or spoon it into hollowed bell peppers before baking for an impressive, colorful meal. It also shines as part of a potluck spread—just bake, cover, and bring it straight to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake stores beautifully! Once cooled, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch tastes even better.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly. Cool the bake completely, slice into portions, wrap tightly (or use a freezer-safe container), and stash it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that creamy texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions gently in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until hot and bubbly—around 20 minutes. Or, heat in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, stirring halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work just fine for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake, though thighs add a little extra juiciness. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken during searing, as breasts tend to dry out more easily than thighs.
Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything (minus the final cheese topping), cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. When ready to bake, sprinkle on the remaining cheese and pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What other veggies can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even peas work wonderfully in this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake. Just chop them small so everything cooks through evenly and every bite is filled with variety.
Do I have to use penne pasta?
Nope—swap in any short pasta you love, like rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti. The key is to use a sturdy shape that holds up well to baking and soaks up the sauce.
How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
Make sure all the noodles are submerged in the sauce before baking, and if the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil during the last stretch in the oven. This way, your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake comes out creamy every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s easy, soul-warming, and guaranteed to make everyone ask for seconds, Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is the answer. Give it a spot in your dinner rotation and enjoy those “just one more bite!” moments together!
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Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, broccoli, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 Tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 lb chicken thigh filets (cut in bite-size pieces)
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For the Pasta Bake:
- ½ lb dry penne pasta (uncooked)
- ½ lb broccoli (cut in bite-sized pieces, stem peeled and chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed, but in one piece)
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C).
- Chicken: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side.
- Grease: Grease an 8×10-inch casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Ingredients: Layer uncooked pasta, cooked chicken, broccoli, garlic, parsley, half of each cheese. Mix well.
- Cream: Pour cream and milk over the mixture, top with remaining cheese. Ensure pasta is submerged.
- Cook: Bake in the oven for about 1 hour until pasta is cooked, covering with foil if needed. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake, Pasta Bake Recipe, Chicken and Broccoli Casserole