When I think of comfort food that actually makes me smile, this cheesy broccoli chicken pasta bake jumps right to mind. The creamy sauce clings to every piece of pasta, the broccoli brings that little green crunch we all secretly need, and the golden top layer of cheese is the part everyone fights for. Honestly, it feels like a hug baked into a dish. I love how simple it is to pull together. Chicken and pasta meet in the oven with just the right mix of creamy and cheesy, and broccoli sneaks in there too, giving balance without making it taste like I’m trying too hard to be healthy. It’s the kind of meal I make when I want the family to gather around the table with big smiles. You know those nights when you don’t feel like standing in the kitchen for hours? This recipe is my go-to. It’s hearty, it’s rich, and it leaves the house smelling amazing. I promise you, good chicken recipes like this one make weeknights easier, and broccoli chicken recipes have never looked better. If you love Chicken Pasta Recipes, broccoli pasta recipes, pasta broccoli recipes, or anything Cheesy Baked Chicken, this is one worth making again and again.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake
4) How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake
5) Tips for Making Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake
6) Making Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This dish blends creamy cheese sauce with chicken, pasta, and broccoli for a balanced comfort food.
The main keyword chicken recipes fits naturally in this meal, making it a weeknight favorite.
It’s simple to prepare and can be baked ahead for busy schedules.
Great way to sneak veggies into a dish that feels indulgent.

2) Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

I often crave chicken recipes that taste like comfort and still make me feel like I did something right for dinner. This one hits that sweet spot. Imagine tender pasta hugging a creamy cheese sauce, little green bursts of broccoli breaking through, and golden melted cheese sitting proudly on top. That’s the picture I see every time I slide this dish into the oven.

What I enjoy most is how little effort it takes. Chicken recipes don’t need to be complicated, and this proves it. A handful of ingredients you likely already have, one baking dish, and the oven does the rest. The pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, and every bite tastes like it was made with care, even on nights when I don’t have much energy to spare.

I’ve tried many broccoli chicken recipes, but this one is the kind of dish people remember. When friends drop by, I serve it, and they ask for the recipe. It feels good to share something this simple and satisfying from my kitchen here at Lila Cooks.

3) Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake

Cooked Chicken: I usually shred leftover rotisserie chicken, but grilled or baked works just as well. It gives the dish heartiness without adding much work.

Pasta: Shells or penne hold onto the sauce nicely, but I’ve also used rotini when that’s what I had in the pantry. Use what you love most.

Broccoli Florets: Lightly steamed to keep some crunch. The green color brightens the plate and adds that balance we all need.

Olive Oil and Flour: These form the base of the sauce. A quick roux makes everything rich without feeling heavy.

Milk: Whole milk gives creaminess, but I’ve swapped in 2 percent when that’s all I had, and it worked fine.

Cheddar and Parmesan: The mix creates that classic cheesy pull. Sharp cheddar adds bite, parmesan gives depth.

Garlic and Onion Powder: Small touches that build big flavor without the need for chopping extra cloves or onions.

Salt and Pepper: Always adjust to taste, because the cheese already brings some saltiness.

Breadcrumbs: Optional, but I love the crunch. They turn the top into a golden crust that people fight over.

4) How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish. Having the dish ready makes layering easier later.

Step 2: Cook pasta until al dente. Drain it and set it aside. Don’t overcook or it will turn soft during baking.

Step 3: In a saucepan, heat olive oil and whisk in flour. Slowly add milk, stirring until thickened and smooth.

Step 4: Stir in cheddar, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The sauce should feel creamy and coat the spoon.

Step 5: Mix pasta, chicken, and broccoli in the baking dish. Pour sauce over everything and stir gently.

Step 6: Add breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of extra cheese on top if you want more crunch and flavor.

Step 7: Bake for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it sit for five minutes before serving so it sets.

5) Tips for Making Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake

I’ve found that shredding chicken ahead saves time and keeps things moving. Sometimes I freeze cooked chicken in portions just for recipes like this.

Don’t be afraid to play with the cheese. Swap cheddar for mozzarella if you want more stringy pulls or mix in gouda for a smoky note.

For pasta, always aim for al dente. The oven adds extra cooking time, and soft noodles lose their texture. Salting the pasta water makes a big difference too.

6) Making Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake Ahead of Time

This dish has saved me on busy nights. I assemble it earlier in the day, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Later, I bake it fresh, and it still tastes homemade. The flavors mingle as it sits, which actually makes it better.

If baking later, add an extra splash of milk to the sauce before pouring it over. It keeps everything creamy instead of drying out in the oven.

I love that I can make it in the morning, run errands, and come back knowing dinner is practically ready. Chicken Pasta Recipes like this bring relief to hectic weeks.

7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake

Leftovers taste amazing the next day. I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen, and the pasta soaks up even more sauce.

When reheating, I add a splash of milk or a sprinkle of extra cheese to bring back the creaminess. Microwaving works for a quick meal, but baking warms it evenly.

I’ve even packed it for lunch, and it reheats beautifully. Pasta broccoli recipes don’t always hold up well, but this one truly does.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake