A creamy, cheesy, golden-baked chicken broccoli pasta bake that delivers pure comfort in every bite. This dish is hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheese makes it an irresistible dinner idea everyone will request again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy, creamy, and absolutely comforting.
A complete meal with protein, veggies, and pasta in one dish.
Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
Family-approved and kid-friendly.
Easy to customize with different vegetables or cheeses.

Tools and Preparation

Large Baking Dish: To hold all the pasta, chicken, and broccoli mixture. A 9×13 inch dish works best.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the sauce, pasta, and add-ins before baking.
Saucepan or Microwave Bowl: To quickly steam the broccoli.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy in seasoning and liquids.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir everything together without breaking the pasta.

These tools make assembly easy and help you get dinner on the table faster.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
3 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cream of chicken soup (or white sauce substitute)
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Easy Chicken Broccoli Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Add the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and steamed broccoli. Toss until the mixture is evenly coated with sauce.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Broccoli Bake

Serve hot with a crisp green side salad for balance.
Pair with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for extra comfort.
Add a drizzle of hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicy twist.
Serve in individual ramekins for portion-controlled meals.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Tips for Success

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
Cook pasta slightly al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Don’t over-steam broccoli; it will cook further in the oven.
Add breadcrumbs mixed with butter for a crispy topping.
For extra richness, stir in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese into the sauce.

Best Side Dishes

Classic Caesar salad or garden salad.
Roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
Garlic breadsticks or dinner rolls.
A light soup like chicken noodle or tomato basil.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking pasta: Keep it al dente since it continues cooking in the oven.
Using too much liquid: This can make the bake watery. Stick to the recommended amounts.
Skipping the rest time: Letting it sit for 5 minutes helps the sauce thicken.
Not seasoning the sauce enough: Taste and adjust before baking.
Covering while baking: Bake uncovered so the cheese browns properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions or the whole bake (wrapped well) for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave single servings. Add a splash of milk if the pasta looks dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Just thaw and drain well before mixing into the bake.

What’s a good substitute for cream of chicken soup?
Make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth.

Can I use other meats?
Yes. Shredded turkey or cooked ground beef works well.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the chicken with more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or cauliflower.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Broccoli Bake is everything you want in a cozy dinner. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients that make the whole family happy. You can prep it ahead, freeze it, and customize it to your taste. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a Sunday family dinner, this casserole will always feel like comfort on a plate. Try it once, and it will quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Easy Chicken Broccoli Bake (Cheesy Comfort Food)