Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole

🥦🍗 Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole — Creamy, Cheesy, and Family‑Approved

Creamy sauce, tender pasta, juicy chicken, and broccoli tucked under a blanket of melted cheddar — this Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed!

There are dinners that check the boxes, and then there are dinners that check all the boxes. This Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole is hearty, comforting, and secretly packed with veggies (hi, broccoli). It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table happy — kids, adults, picky eaters, and even the “I don’t really like casseroles” people.

Why this recipe is a keeper:

One‑dish wonder — pasta, protein, and veggies all in one.
Creamy, cheesy goodness — sharp cheddar makes it bold and flavorful.
Family‑friendly — picky eaters will happily eat broccoli when it’s covered in cheese.
Make‑ahead friendly — assemble earlier, bake later.
Leftover gold — reheats beautifully for lunches.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “casseroles are life” or team “I only make them when I’m desperate for an easy dinner”?

I have had a hard time being motivated to make dinner lately, but if I don’t then I remember that if I don’t Matt will suggest Wendy’s. Every. Single. Time. Do you want to know why? Because he downloaded the app and can get free food. He loves coupons and free food.

Wendy’s is not very healthy and we are trying to make a lifestyle change and eat more veggies and eat out less. With a rotisserie chicken from Costco, broccoli, and whole-grain penne pasta, dinner never tasted so good!

Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked pasta (I used whole-wheat penne)
1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tablespoons butter
1 small white onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups diced rotisserie chicken

Directions

Heat oven to 400°F.
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is al dente. About 1 minute before the pasta is done, add the broccoli to the boiling pasta water and stir until combined. Drain both the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and sauté for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion mixture and stir until combined. Cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add in the stock, and stir everything together until most of the clumps are gone. Add in the milk, Dijon, salt, and pepper and stir until combined. Continue cooking the sauce until it reaches a simmer. Then remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until it is combined. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
In a large 9 x 13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, onion sauce, and chicken. Toss until combined. Smooth the casserole out into an even layer.
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Then remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole, and bake for 10 more minutes or until the cheese is nice and melty.
Serve warm.

🔢 Calorie Count (Per Serving, Serves 6)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g

🥕 Nutritional Facts & Fun

Broccoli: Vitamin C + fiber.
Chicken: Lean protein + iron.
Cheddar: Calcium + flavor bomb.
Whole‑wheat pasta: Fiber + staying power.
Onion & Garlic: Antioxidants + depth of flavor.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you sneak extra veggies into casseroles, or keep it classic?

👩‍🍳 Cooking Tips

Cheese Tip: Always shred your own — pre‑shredded has anti‑caking agents.
Broccoli Hack: Blanching with pasta saves time and dishes.
Sauce Trick: Whisk constantly for a lump‑free sauce.
Make Ahead: Assemble casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer Friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.

🔄 Recipe Variations

Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Add hot sauce and blue cheese crumbles.
Tex‑Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning and top with crushed tortilla chips.
Creamy Alfredo Version: Swap cheddar for Parmesan and mozzarella.
Veggie‑Packed: Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Kid‑Friendly: Use mild cheddar and elbow macaroni.

💬 Reader prompt: Which version would your family devour first — buffalo, Tex‑Mex, or Alfredo?

🧒 Kid Tips

Let kids sprinkle cheese on top (they’ll feel like chefs).
Serve with ketchup or ranch for picky eaters.
Make mini casseroles in ramekins for fun.
Call it “cheesy chicken pasta bake” to make it sound exciting.

🛒 Grocery Hacks

Rotisserie Chicken: Buy one, shred it, and freeze portions for quick meals.
Cheese: Stock up during sales and freeze blocks.
Pasta: Buy in bulk — it lasts forever.
Broccoli: Frozen florets work just as well.
Milk: Evaporated milk can sub in a pinch.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you usually buy rotisserie chicken just for recipes, or do you snack on it straight from the container too?

🎯 Reader Challenge

This week, I challenge you to make Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole and serve it in a fun way. Maybe it’s in mini skillets, maybe it’s topped with breadcrumbs, maybe it’s paired with garlic bread. Post your creation with #LouLouGirlsCasseroleLove so we can all drool together.

🥪 Leftover Remix

Casserole Muffins: Scoop into muffin tins, bake until crispy.
Casserole Soup: Add broth and simmer for a creamy soup.
Casserole Quesadillas: Sandwich between tortillas with extra cheese.
Casserole Pizza: Spread over crust, top with mozzarella, bake.
Casserole Stuffed Peppers: Spoon into peppers and bake.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you rather turn leftovers into soup or quesadillas?

💭 Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole is proof that comfort food can be both indulgent and nourishing. It’s creamy, cheesy, and versatile enough to be a weeknight staple or a Sunday dinner centerpiece. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone smile — and isn’t that the best kind of cooking?

Here’s the thing about casseroles — they’re never just casseroles. They’re the sound of cheese bubbling in the oven, the joy of scooping out a heaping portion, the comfort of knowing dinner is going to be a hit.

And this Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole? It’s a keeper. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s golden, it’s fun. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve turned pantry staples into something magical.

But what I love most is how recipes like this bring us together. Food has that magic — it’s not just about eating, it’s about sharing. It’s about swapping tips, laughing over cheese pulls, and building little traditions that make life tastier.

So here’s my challenge to you: make this dish, share it with your people, and then tell me your twist. Did you add bacon? Did you sneak in mushrooms? Did you double the cheese just because you could? (No judgment — I’d be first in line for that version.)

💬 Reader prompt: Should we do a “Casserole Series” next? I’m dreaming up cheesy hash brown casserole, baked ziti, and maybe even a tater tot hot dish.

Until then, may your pasta be tender, your broccoli bright, your cheese melty, and your kitchen filled with laughter, love, and second helpings. Because at the end of the day, recipes like this aren’t just about cooking — they’re about celebrating the little joys that make life delicious.

CASSEROLE RECIPES

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is made with flour tortillas, shredded chicken, mozzarella, and enchilada sauce. Deliciousness in every bite!

This taco casserole is layers of tortilla chips, and beef, all topped with plenty of cheese and baked to perfection. Add your favorite taco fixings such as lettuce, tomato, and olives for a hearty and family-friendly meal!

Best Ever Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food recipe that everyone loves! This casserole is packed full of meat, green beans, corn, soup, and cheese for a totally satisfying dinner!