Name: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups dry small shaped pasta; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste; 3 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 lb chicken tenders, cut into bite size pieces; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 4 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 2 Tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese; ¾ – 1 cup chicken broth

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 69 reviews

If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chunks of seasoned chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all enveloped in a rich and luscious cream cheese and mozzarella sauce. Baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection, every bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an impressive yet simple dinner, this dish shows how a few wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The dish is shown in six steps on a white marbled surface. First, there is a bowl with green broccoli and yellow twisted pasta. Next, a clear bowl holds small pink marinated meat cubes with a reddish coating. Third, pieces of cooked meat turn golden brown and are spread in a pan. Fourth, water is poured over the meat in the pan. Fifth, several white cubes of soft cheese are added on top of the cooked meat, which is arranged in a circle along the pan edges. Lastly, a spoon with shredded white cheese is held over the pan with a creamy sauce bubbling, partially covering the meat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in making this dish shine. From the creamy cheeses that create the sauce to the fresh broccoli adding color and crunch, you’ll see how simple, thoughtful components make all the difference in this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe.

1 ½ cups dry small shaped pasta: Choose your favorite small pasta to hold all the creamy sauce perfectly.
3 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, vibrant green and a satisfying bite to the bake.
2 Tbsp. olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to a juicy, flavorful finish.
1 lb. chicken tenders, cut into bite size pieces: Tender and quick-cooking protein that soaks up all the spices.
1 tsp. paprika: Gives a warm, smoky depth to the chicken seasoning.
½ tsp. garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic punch without overpowering the dish.
½ tsp. onion powder: Enhances savory layers beneath the cream sauce.
¾ – 1 cup chicken broth: Helps create that silky, flavorful base for the sauce.
4 oz. cream cheese, cut into cubes: The star of the creamy sauce with a smooth and tangy profile.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts beautifully, making the sauce irresistible and the topping bubblingly golden.
2 Tbsp. shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the baked top layer.
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Pasta and Broccoli

Start by cooking your pasta in salted boiling water, but stop just one minute short of al dente to ensure it won’t get mushy after baking. In the last two minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets to soften them slightly while keeping that perfect bite. Drain everything carefully and set aside. This timing trick keeps your textures spot-on.

Step 2: Season and Sauté Chicken

While the pasta cooks, give your chicken pieces a flavorful makeover by tossing them with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook just until the outside loses its pink color—this seals in juiciness and builds a great flavor base.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cream cheese cubes, allowing them to melt gradually into a luscious sauce—small cream cheese speckles will disappear during baking, so no worries there. Then, stir in three-quarters of your mozzarella until it melts smoothly, thickening the sauce to creamy perfection.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Turn off the heat and gently fold in the cooked pasta and broccoli. Transfer this comforting mix to a baking dish, cover it with foil, and place it in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 15 minutes. This makes sure everything melds together beautifully under the foil’s warmth, softening flavors and textures.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping and Finish Baking

After the covered bake time, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake uncovered for around three minutes until the cheeses melt into a bubbly golden crust. Let your dish rest for five minutes once out of the oven to allow everything to settle and thicken just right before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with creamy pasta. The pasta is curly and light beige, mixed with green broccoli florets and light brown pieces of cooked chicken. The dish is topped with melted white cheese and sprinkled with small red chili flakes. Some pasta and sauce have been scooped out, showing the creamy texture at the bottom. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially underneath. In the background, there is a white round plate with more of the same pasta dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds an unexpected kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. A touch of freshly chopped parsley or basil can brighten the whole dish visually and flavor-wise, turning it from cozy to elegant effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This bake is quite filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or steamed green beans to add freshness. You could also serve it alongside warm crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of that scrumptious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this bake in individual ramekins for a charming individual portion presentation perfect for dinner parties. Alternatively, turn it into a layered casserole by adding extra veggies like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to vary textures and tastes. The possibilities for making this recipe uniquely yours are endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal later.

Freezing

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

Reheat portions gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Covering the dish during reheating helps retain moisture and keeps the creamy texture intact. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While small shaped pasta works best to hold the sauce, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even shells according to your preference.

Is it okay to substitute chicken breast for tenders?

Yes, chicken breast works fine though tenders and thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during baking, creating a saucier final dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Sure! Simply leave out the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas for protein and texture.

How spicy does this dish get?

The recipe itself is mild, but adding crushed red pepper flakes at serving time provides a nice spicy contrast without overpowering the creamy sauce.

Can I use regular cream cheese or a lighter version?

Regular cream cheese gives the richest sauce, but you can use lighter versions if you prefer a less indulgent dish; just be aware it may affect creaminess slightly.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to comfort meal on busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and that dreamy, cheesy sauce is unbeatable. So grab your ingredients and dive into this deliciously satisfying bake—you won’t regret it!