Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

A spoonful of a cheesy casserole with chicken and broccoli.

Leave a Review

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is a cozy, family-friendly dinner made with tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and pasta tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and baked until golden, it’s a comforting casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights and leftovers.

Prep Time20

Cook Time25

Total Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken and broccoli pasta bake

Servings: servings

Calories: 520kcal

Author: Deanne Frieders

Ingredients

12 ounces farfalle bowtie pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast diced or shredded
2 cups broccoli florets blanched
2 Tablespoons butter salted or unsalted
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk 2% or whole
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
2 Tablespoons olive oil
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened and the sauce coats the back of a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Transfer to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden on top and bubbly around the edges.
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Notes

Farfalle works great in this recipe, but rotini, penne, shells, or cavatappi also work well.
Chunky breadcrumbs or panko give the best crunch on top.
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions

To Freeze (Unbaked): Assemble the pasta bake without the breadcrumb topping. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Bake: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when possible. Add breadcrumb topping and bake at 375°F, covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Freezing After Baking: Let the baked pasta cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently for best texture.

Nutrition