Easy One-Dish Chicken Pasta Casserole with Broccoli Recipe
This comforting meal combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant broccoli, all baked in a creamy, flavorful sauce. The result is a complete and satisfying casserole that's both convenient and delicious.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Dishes
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6 people
Calories 550 kcal
The successful preparation of a chicken pasta casserole with broccoli requires the following essential kitchen tools:
9x13-inch baking dish
Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander
Whisk
Spatula or Large Spoon
Oven mitts
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook Chicken and Broccoli: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Add broccoli florets to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking the chicken, cooking until slightly tender-crisp.
Step 4: Make Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until cheese is melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat evenly.
Step 6: Bake Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using).
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Optional Tips: For a creamier sauce, use whole milk or add a tablespoon of cream cheese. To add a touch of spice, include a pinch of red pepper flakes. If using leftover cooked chicken, simply skip Step 3 and add the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.
Variations
The chicken pasta casserole with broccoli lends itself well to various customizations:
Ingredient Swaps:
Vegetables: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms, or a mix of frozen vegetables.
Protein: Replace chicken with turkey, ham, sausage, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or lentils for a vegetarian option.
Cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends such as mozzarella, Gruyre, provolone, or a sharp cheddar.
Pasta: Use different pasta shapes like farfalle, rotini, or macaroni. Gluten-free pasta is a suitable alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Regional Twists:
Italian: Add sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and mozzarella cheese.
Mexican: Incorporate black beans, corn, salsa, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Spice it up with a pinch of chili powder.
Mediterranean: Include artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and oregano.
Dietary Adjustments:
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, such as flour in the cheese sauce, are gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk in the cheese sauce. Utilize plant-based cheese alternatives.
Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth or milk, and reduce the amount of added salt. Avoid using overly salty cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole serves well as a main course for lunch or dinner. Consider the following serving suggestions:
Serve with a side salad of fresh greens, such as a simple Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with vinaigrette.
Pair with crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted vegetables.
This casserole is also a convenient dish to bring to potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinner parties.
Storage Tips
Proper storage helps preserve the freshness and flavor of the casserole:
Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the casserole. It can be frozen either before or after baking.
Before Baking: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and then cover it with foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
After Baking: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely before portioning it into individual servings or freezing the entire dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350F (175C) until heated through, usually about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken) will reduce the preparation time significantly. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.
Question 2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Question 3: What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Mozzarella, Gruyre, or a blend of Italian cheeses are excellent alternatives to cheddar cheese.
Question 4: How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Avoid overcooking the pasta initially to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Question 5: Is it necessary to cook the broccoli before adding it to the casserole?
It is recommended to cook the broccoli until slightly tender-crisp before adding it to the casserole. This ensures that the broccoli is cooked through but still retains some texture.Keyword Casserole, Chicken, Family Dinner, family-friendly, Pasta