30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pasta Bake

This broccoli cheddar chicken pasta bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli and shredded chicken for a satisfying meal the whole family will love. It’s a comforting baked pasta dish that comes together easily and makes great leftovers!

 

Easy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Recipe

• Quick and Easy. This is one of those super simple, dump-and-bake weeknight recipes that our family loves. Rotisserie chicken makes it easy to throw together, and you can prep it beforehand, so when you’re ready to eat, you can just pop it in the oven!
• Outrageous Flavor. Even though it’s made with simple ingredients, this broccoli cheddar pasta bake is LOADED with flavor. Garlic and herbs combine with butter and flour to create a delicious roux with a deep flavor that not only thickens the cream sauce but adds a bold, savory bite.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Pasta

• Pasta: Holds the creamy cheese sauce well. I prefer a short cut of pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne.
• Broccoli: Adds a pop of color and a variation in texture. You could use your favorite veggies in place of the broccoli.
• Butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce. Unsalted or salted butter will work well.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor. Freshly minced is best but garlic powder will work in a pinch.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce. Stick with all-purpose flour for this recipe.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs to the dish. Use your favorite dried herbs.
• Ground Mustard: Enhances the sharpness of the cheese and adds flavor. But don’t worry – the sauce won’t taste like mustard!
• Heavy Cream & Half and Half: Create a rich, velvety sauce. I like to use a combination of these two for the best flavor and texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and tang. Stick with full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce for a bold, cheesy flavor. Shred the cheddar at home so it melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: The perfect way to bulk up this pasta dish. Check and see if your grocery store offers pre-shredded rotisserie chicken to save even more prep time.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Pasta

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to the pot. Drain, toss with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add garlic, flour, Italian seasoning, and ground mustard. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Add Liquids: Whisk in heavy cream and half and half until smooth. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Do not let it simmer or boil.

Melt the Cheese: Stir in cream cheese and 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and shredded chicken. Toss to coat everything evenly and cook until heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Assemble: Transfer to a 9×13 baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Top with remaining 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake and Serve: Cover and bake for 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and pasta is warmed through. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy!

Tips for Making Broccoli Cheese Pasta

• Al Dente Pasta. Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente so that it doesn’t get mushy when it’s cooked in the oven.
• Vegetarian Option. Skip the chicken or replace it with extra broccoli to make this into a totally vegetarian cheesy broccoli pasta bake.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Assemble the pasta dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, covered, until warmed through.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Broccoli Cheese Pasta

• Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes, covered.
• Freeze After Baking: Let cool completely, then freeze individual portions for easy reheating.

Reheating Broccoli Cheese Pasta

• Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per serving.
• Warm in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• simple house salad
• easy garlic bread
• olive cheese bread
• Caprese garlic cheese bread
• chicken Caesar pasta salad

Try these easy pasta recipes next!

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