"I've been making this at least once a week for the past month! I can't seem to keep it in the house.

 

The Kind of Recipe You Can’t Keep in the House

“I’ve been making this at least once a week for the past month! I can’t seem to keep it in the house.” That’s what I found myself saying when a friend asked about this delicious baked pasta dish that had somehow become a staple in our kitchen.

There are meals that are good, and then there are meals that disappear. The kind that never make it to leftovers. The kind your family requests again before you’ve even washed the casserole dish. This Cheesy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole is exactly that type of recipe.

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying

• Packed with protein and veggies

• A complete meal in one pan

• Great for leftovers—if you have any!

• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead dinners

• Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved

It's built on humble, affordable ingredients and delivers big flavor and comfort. Whether you're cooking for a family of four or prepping meals for the week, this casserole is about to become your go-to.

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Ingredients

This dish combines simple pantry and fridge staples. You can customize it with different cheeses, vegetables, or proteins based on what you have.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)

• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)

• 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half

• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tbsp melted butter

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Pinch of paprika

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Skillet or sauté pan

• Saucepan for the cheese sauce

• 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cheese grater

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by gathering and prepping everything you'll need:

• Cook the pasta just until al dente, then drain and set aside.

• Lightly steam or blanch the broccoli so it’s tender but still bright green.

• If using raw chicken, season and sauté or bake it ahead of time, then dice or shred it.

• Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate all your cheeses.

🍴 Tip: This is a great dish for using up leftover chicken or cooked veggies.

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Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat.

1. Sauté aromatics:
Add the diced onion and sauté until softened (about 4–5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Make the roux:
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

3. Add liquids:
Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.

4. Melt in the cheese:
Once the sauce begins to thicken, reduce the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).

🧀 Tip: Use freshly grated cheese when possible—it melts better and creates a smoother sauce.

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Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl (or directly in the baking dish), combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

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Step 4: Prepare the Topping (Optional)

In a small bowl, combine:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

• Pinch of paprika

Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole.

🌟 Why bother with the topping? It adds an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath.

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Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

If you want a more browned top, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes—watch it closely to prevent burning.

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Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with a little chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color.

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Serving Suggestions

This cheesy chicken and broccoli pasta bake is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can round out the meal with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or crusty sourdough

• Roasted carrots or green beans

• A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon

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Leftovers & Storage

If by some miracle you have leftovers:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

• Freezer: You can freeze individual portions or the whole baked casserole. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

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Tips and Variations

Make it healthier:

• Use whole wheat pasta

• Swap heavy cream for milk or plant-based alternatives

• Add extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or peas

Make it vegetarian:
Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or extra broccoli.

Spice it up:
Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or spicy sausage.

Use different cheeses:
Try Gruyère, fontina, pepper jack, or a sharp white cheddar.

Short on time?
Use store-bought Alfredo sauce in place of homemade.

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Why It Works (And Why It’s Irresistible)

There’s a reason this casserole is so beloved—it hits every note:

• Creamy from the cheese sauce

• Savory from the seasoned chicken

• Nutritious thanks to the broccoli

• Hearty with the pasta base

• Comforting in every way

It’s cozy food that hugs you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, tired parents, or yourself on a long day—this casserole delivers comfort without being complicated.

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Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving - serves 6)

• Calories: 540

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 39g

• Fat: 28g

• Fiber: 4g

• Calcium: 280mg

• Iron: 2.1mg

👩‍🍳 Nutritional info will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

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A Note from the Cook’s Heart

Some recipes take time to earn their place in the weekly rotation. Others, like this one, find a permanent home on the table from the very first bite. I still remember the first time I made it—my family went quiet (that’s how I knew it was a hit), and by the time I sat down, the pan was half gone.

Now, we double the recipe just to make sure we’ll have lunch the next day. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the fiftieth, this casserole is one of those rare recipes that never gets old.

It’s comfort. It’s warmth. It’s food that disappears faster than you can make it.