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Home » Recipes » Main Dish

Family Night Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

May 14, 2019 By Katya 77 Comments

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Vertical image chicken broccoli pasta bake

The coziest chicken and broccoli pasta bake made with REAL ingredients, simple steps, and hardly any time in the kitchen!

This hearty pasta bake pairs so well with a simple Tomato Mozzarella Salad or green leafy salad such as Avocado Caesar Salad with Cucumbers.

https://www.littlebroken.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Family-Night-Chicken-and-Broccoli-Pasta-Bake_-22.jpgThis post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

There’s no doubt that family time is very precious and I think we all crave more of it. That’s why most nights dinner for us is very simple, easy, and quick.

For me, it’s especially important to have a well-balanced meal with lean protein and veggies. On a whim, I made this cozy chicken and broccoli pasta bake a few weeks ago with basically what I had in my fridge and my family went crazy for it.

It’s made with REAL ingredients, such as chicken, broccoli, pasta, and cheese. Plus crazy simple steps. So you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time cozying up with your loved ones.

Overhead close up chicken and broccoli bake recipe

Chicken and Broccoli Bake Recipe

What I love most about this chicken and broccoli bake is that it’s made with ingredients that I normally have in my pantry or fridge. Not to mention these are real simple ingredients.

  • Pasta – any small shaped pasta works here, either white or whole wheat. I personally love gemelli and try to use whole wheat pasta when I can for a more nutrient-dense meal.
  • Broccoli – buy broccoli and cut it into florets yourself. It’s fresher and you have control over how big you want your florets to be. 
  • Chicken – chicken thighs, chicken tenders, or chicken breast are good chicken options for this recipe. Chicken thighs will give you more flavor and are most tender.
  • Cream cheese – look for cream cheese with fewer ingredients and buy organic when possible. I personally love Organic Valley cream cheese.

It’s made with only a handful of ingredients, including milk from pasture-raised cows. If you’re feeling adventurous, here’s a recipe on how to make your own cream cheese.

  • Cheese – you will need mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself. It’s fresher, tastes better, and has fewer additives.
Ingredients for chicken and broccoli pasta

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Bake

To make this chicken and broccoli pasta bake, you’ll need a large sauté pan (3 quarts or larger) big enough to fit the sauce, cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli.

You’ll also need a baking dish around 10 X 10 inches or something similar in size.

  • Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions one minute shy of al dente. Make sure to salt the water before adding the pasta.

Good ration to remember is 1 teaspoon kosher salt per 1-quart water. In the last two minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets and cook just until almost tender. Drain and set aside.

  • Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, toss the chicken with spices, salt, and pepper. Heat a large sauté pan with oil over medium-high heat, when hot, add chicken and cook until no longer pink on the outside.

Add chicken broth and bring mixture to a simmer. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Then add half of the mozzarella cheese. The sauce should slightly thicken.

  • Step 3: Gently fold in cooked pasta and broccoli. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes in a 375 degree F oven.
  • Step 4: Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue to bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted. Before serving, let the chicken broccoli bake rest for 5 minutes.
Step by step on how to make chicken pasta broccoli bake

Easy Sides for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta:

  • Greek Cucumber Salad
  • House Salad Recipe
  • Ultimate Heirloom Tomato Salad
Close up side view chicken broccoli bake

Love cozy meals? Try our Sicilian Chicken Soup. It’s a winner every single time!

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Close up side view chicken broccoli bake

Family Night Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

★★★★★ 4.8 from 24 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

The coziest chicken and broccoli pasta bake made with REAL ingredients, simple steps, and hardly any time in the kitchen!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups dry small shaped pasta
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 lb. chicken tenders, cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 3/4 – 1 cup chicken broth
  • 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 2 Tbsp. shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water one minute shy of al dente according to package instructions. Last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and cook chicken for few minutes until no longer pink on the outside.
  3. Add chicken broth and let it come to a simmer. Once simmering, add cream cheese and stir until melted. It’s okay to have small speckles of cream cheese. It will incorporate when baked. Stir in 3/4 cup mozzarella until melted. The sauce will slightly thicken.
  4. Turn off heat and gently fold in cooked pasta and broccoli. Transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 15 minutes.
  5. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for about 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. You can use any small shaped pasta of choice. I love using whole wheat pasta when I can for a more nutrient dense meal.
  2. I tested this bake with chicken thighs, chicken breast, and chicken tenders. All work but my family’s favorite was chicken thighs. They are insanely tender and give off delicious flavor. So the sauce is a little more saucier.
  3. To serve, I love to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. The contrast of spicy with creamy sauce is so good.

Keywords: easy, kid friendly, quick, simple, cozy

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Filed Under: Main Dish, Recipes Tagged With: broccoli, cheese, chicken, pasta

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Comments

  1. Angelina says

    April 16, 2021 at 1:12 AM

    This sounds not only delicious, but also healthy & easy! I’d like to make this, then bring it to a grieving family friend, so I’m wondering the best way to have them re-heat it, so it won’t dry out. Thank you for all of your lovely recipes. 🌹

    Reply
    • Katya says

      April 16, 2021 at 9:45 PM

      Hi Angelina: you can make the recipe as written but when you reheat it, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream. It reheats really well on the stovetop.

      Reply
  2. Ma brook says

    January 22, 2021 at 5:42 PM

    Hey from ohio
    We made this but added some corn and shreded carrots was definatly a solid everyone liked it

    Reply
  3. Lauri A Pine says

    January 10, 2021 at 3:13 PM

    How much pasta is that in dry ounces? Is it 1 1/2 cups measured dry or after cooking?
    Thank you!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      January 11, 2021 at 10:30 AM

      Hi Laurie: You’ll need about 6 ounces of dry pasta for the entire recipe.

      Reply
  4. Taeler says

    January 7, 2021 at 1:54 AM

    Could I replace the broccoli with cauliflower?

    Reply
    • Katya says

      January 7, 2021 at 7:41 AM

      I think it’ll work. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time.

      Reply
  5. Fiona says

    December 31, 2020 at 2:28 AM

    Hi, I’m making this today, wondering can it be frozen if I make a bigger one? Thanks

    Reply
    • Katya says

      December 31, 2020 at 3:35 PM

      You mean before or after baking?

      Reply
      • Fiona says

        February 1, 2021 at 2:25 AM

        Sorry, making it again today and have the same question! I mean either before or after cooking? It was delicious last time thanks for the recipe!

        Reply
        • Fiona says

          February 1, 2021 at 2:26 AM

          I your response to this on a different comment, thanks!

          Reply
        • Katya says

          February 1, 2021 at 3:34 PM

          I’m sorry…what is the question?

          Reply
  6. Hannah says

    November 6, 2020 at 5:17 AM

    I made this recipe a few weeks ago but I think I used too much mozzarella! I’m in the UK and unsure of the conversation, could someone tell me how much mozzarella this is roughly in grams?? A few websites I’ve looked at all come up with different answers!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Chelsea says

      December 20, 2020 at 7:27 PM

      168g!

      Reply
  7. Anaisa Mohamed says

    October 15, 2020 at 11:51 AM

    Hello all the way from South Africa!

    I tried this substituting the cream cheese with a can of cream of mushroom soup, and I added mushrooms to the chicken as well

    It was a beautiful meal

    Definitely a keeper
    Thank you!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  8. Anaisa Mohamed says

    October 15, 2020 at 5:49 AM

    Hi all the way from South Africa!
    I googled and came across this recipe

    I replaced the cream cheese with a can of cream of mushroom soup
    Also added fresh mushrooms to the chicken

    It was amazing
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Katya says

      October 16, 2020 at 9:23 PM

      That sounds delicious! Thank you for feedback!

      Reply
  9. Jenny says

    October 14, 2020 at 9:18 PM

    How big are the portion sizes?

    Reply
  10. Marly says

    October 13, 2020 at 3:46 PM

    sounds delish! do you think substituting mixed veggies would work?

    Reply
    • Katya says

      October 13, 2020 at 4:33 PM

      totally!

      Reply
  11. Carole Price says

    October 1, 2020 at 7:47 PM

    Loved it! Perfect recipe, simple ingredients and tastes extra special!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Sharon Augustine says

      January 14, 2021 at 5:06 PM

      Would this freeze well after baking?

      Reply
      • Katya says

        January 15, 2021 at 10:07 AM

        I haven’t tried it with this specific recipe so I can’t answer with certainty. Cream sauce type recipes do not reheat well from frozen but it also depends on the recipe. Some do okay and some not so well.

        Reply
  12. Sara W says

    September 9, 2020 at 11:26 AM

    This has become one of our weekly dinners. Everyone loves it!!

    Reply
    • Katya says

      September 9, 2020 at 4:19 PM

      So happy to hear that! Thank you.

      Reply
  13. Sandy says

    August 19, 2020 at 11:56 AM

    Going to make this tonight but don’t have enough broccoli so I am going to mix the broc with cauliflower and add red pepper for colour.

    Reply
  14. Hillary says

    July 16, 2020 at 9:14 AM

    I have all of the ingredients except for the cream cheese. Do you think Cream of Chicken would be an acceptable subsittute? I know the flavor wouldn’t be the same but the creaminess would still be coming into play?

    Reply
    • Katya says

      July 16, 2020 at 11:26 PM

      I think it will! The flavor will change a bit but it should totally work.

      Reply
  15. Jean says

    July 10, 2020 at 8:35 AM

    it was really amazing recipe!my boyfriend and I loves it❤️ thank you Miss K!

    ★★★★

    Reply
  16. Lisa says

    June 24, 2020 at 7:12 PM

    I wanted to try this but no cream cheese on hand! Looks delicious, thank you for posting.

    Reply
  17. Chantel says

    June 19, 2020 at 11:14 AM

    This has been the first time I’ve ever felt the need to post. This recipe is FANTASTIC! Very simple, great for the whole family and perfect as is…no modifications needed. THANK YOU!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      June 20, 2020 at 8:42 AM

      That makes me so happy Chantel! I appreciate your feedback.

      Reply
  18. Rebecca says

    June 14, 2020 at 8:38 PM

    This was a hit at my house tonight. I didn’t have Parmesan cheese so I only used mozzarella cheese, which was still delicious. I’ll be making this again.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      June 15, 2020 at 7:58 AM

      That’s great to hear! Thank you Rebecca.

      Reply
  19. LisaMarie says

    June 2, 2020 at 12:20 PM

    This is keeper. For efficiency with pots, I love parboiling the broccoli with the pasta; I did half-and-half broccoli and carrots, and they both had great texture. Can also use an oven-proof pan so that you can put it right in the oven after adding the pasta and veggies to the cooked chicken and sauce. I sprinkled seasonings on the chicken before sauteing and then threw the leftover seasonings into the sauce.Thanks for sharing.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      June 3, 2020 at 8:11 AM

      Thank you!

      Reply
  20. Amy Shelton says

    May 19, 2020 at 5:06 PM

    This right up my husband’s alley. He hates chicken, but loved it. I’m always looking for new ways to make chicken. I added mushrooms in with the chicken and doubled the sauce. Oh my goodness it’s good.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      May 20, 2020 at 10:41 AM

      Thank you Amy! So glad you all enjoyed it.

      Reply
  21. Rachel says

    May 14, 2020 at 2:24 AM

    Kia ora
    We had this for our dinner tonight and went down like a treat. This will be our new go to instead of Mac N Cheese.

    Thank you

    Reply
  22. Amanda says

    May 4, 2020 at 7:43 PM

    Made this tonight and the only thing I omitted was the paprika because I don’t care for it. It was super delicious, but I wish it had more sauce. Do you think if I doubled the cream cheese and broth it would be creamier? I’m going to add Alfredo sauce to the leftovers for now.

    Reply
    • Katya says

      May 4, 2020 at 9:16 PM

      Glad you enjoyed it! And yes you can totally double up the sauce.

      Reply
  23. Helen says

    April 30, 2020 at 2:28 PM

    Really nice, my husband was thrilled 🙂 I’d use more pasta in relation to chicken, though, and maybe more broccoli – I’ll try that next time!

    ★★★★

    Reply
  24. gMaNette says

    April 26, 2020 at 9:59 PM

    I made this and did have to substitute some ingredients. I loved the proportions of pasta, chicken and broccoli! Delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      April 27, 2020 at 11:05 AM

      Thank you!

      Reply
  25. Jillian says

    April 23, 2020 at 10:30 AM

    All 5 of my kids loved it! Thats a HUGE win for our house. Thank you for such a yummy recipe.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      April 23, 2020 at 6:32 PM

      That’s so awesome Jillian! So happy they all approved.

      Reply
  26. Kim says

    April 11, 2020 at 10:21 AM

    So delicious! I’m making it again tonight. So glad I found this recipe!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      April 11, 2020 at 1:54 PM

      Thanks so much Kim! Glad you loved the recipe.

      Reply
  27. Olga says

    February 26, 2020 at 8:27 PM

    This is a killer recipe and my family loved it. This is my go to meal to bring after someone has a baby!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  28. Valerie says

    February 5, 2020 at 9:25 PM

    Great family dinner, thanks so much! I used cheddar instead of mozzarella, so it may have had a sharper taste, but the cream cheese is what makes it! Kids loved it.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      February 6, 2020 at 12:29 AM

      I love that and love that your kids loved it too! Thank you Valerie for your review.

      Reply
  29. Mindy says

    February 2, 2020 at 1:40 AM

    Sounds delicious and I think I’ll make this week! I have an extra rotisserie chicken. Has anyone tried making with shredded rotisserie chicken? Would that work?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Maggie says

      April 30, 2020 at 4:43 PM

      I made crockpot homemade rotisserie chicken and used leftovers for this recipe… the only thing I changed was omitting any additional salary and pepper since my chicken was already salty.

      Thank you for this quick and EASY delicious recipe!!!

      Reply
  30. Brandy says

    January 30, 2020 at 8:11 PM

    Made this today for dinner & it was a hit! Thanks for the great recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      January 31, 2020 at 8:51 AM

      Thank you Brandy!

      Reply
  31. Jessica says

    January 25, 2020 at 2:54 PM

    Can I freeze this in a foil pan and bake later from frozen?

    Reply
    • Katya says

      January 26, 2020 at 9:42 AM

      Yes, it should be fine.

      Reply
  32. Melissa says

    January 23, 2020 at 9:32 PM

    Made this for dinner today for my husband and I. It was delicious! My husband is a picky eater and this is the first time he has ever eaten broccoli! Yeey! He couldn’t stop eating and said he wanted to eat this every week. Thank you so much for the recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      January 24, 2020 at 1:15 PM

      That’s so great to hear Melissa! Thank you so much for your feedback. So happy you all enjoyed it.

      Reply
  33. Davina says

    January 9, 2020 at 6:56 PM

    I made the recipe exactly as instructed anf added a dry ranch seasoning packet and mixed in bacon bits just prior to baking! Delicious!

    Reply
    • Katya says

      January 9, 2020 at 10:38 PM

      Thank you! So happy you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  34. Brenda says

    January 7, 2020 at 12:00 PM

    I’m on a diet so I used half the cheeses and added black olives. I also used fresh garlic. This was so delicious and filling!

    Reply
    • Katya says

      January 7, 2020 at 2:52 PM

      I love that! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
  35. Destiny Rice says

    December 10, 2019 at 9:50 PM

    This turned out a little greasy and runny, and it would have benefitted a lot from as much as twice the broccoli that the recipe calls for, but overall it was tasty and pretty easy to prepare. It would definitely be a big hit for most kids.

    ★★★★

    Reply
  36. Amy says

    October 31, 2019 at 5:48 AM

    Going to make this today, do you think I could prep it this morning and do the baking of it later on? Looks delish can’t wait 🙂

    Reply
    • Katya says

      October 31, 2019 at 7:56 AM

      I think the pasta will soak up some of the liquid if it stands too long. I would recommend baking right away.

      Reply
  37. Yuliya K says

    June 30, 2019 at 11:02 PM

    Made it tonight! Very delicious! Hubby loved it… will be making again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      July 1, 2019 at 12:48 PM

      Thank you!

      Reply
  38. Marianne Stewart says

    June 29, 2019 at 2:19 AM

    Made with boneless thighs and it was terrific!

    ★★★★

    Reply
  39. Olga says

    May 23, 2019 at 12:24 PM

    I doubled this recipe thinking we’d have some leftovers. Yeah right, my family DEVOURED it. It’s such an easy, quick and delicious meal. Thanks for such a simple meal recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      May 23, 2019 at 1:56 PM

      So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  40. Svetlana says

    May 18, 2019 at 2:09 PM

    Just made this today! Kids loved it! One of my daughters even eat broccoli, which she doesn’t like:)

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Katya says

      May 19, 2019 at 10:29 AM

      That’s so great! I love it when kids eat new veggies 🙂 Thank so much for your feedback.

      Reply
    • Alena T. says

      June 4, 2019 at 4:18 PM

      This is perfect! Second time making this, it is so lights yet creamy, thank you for this recipe! It is on our favorite meals list 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Katya says

        June 4, 2019 at 5:40 PM

        Thank you Alena! I so appreciate your feedback.

        Reply
    • Michelle Fleeting says

      May 6, 2020 at 5:44 AM

      Made this for dinner tonight and it was a hit! Kids loved it, even the broccoli hating child loved it. Thanks from Sydney Australia

      Reply
      • Katya says

        May 6, 2020 at 9:20 AM

        Thank you!! So glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply

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Hello and Welcome! I’m Katya. I believe life is too short to eat bad food and wear boring shoes. I'm glad you're here! Learn more...discounted at the UK Meds

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