Total Cooking Time: ~50 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
This Baked Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is everything you want in a comforting dinner—creamy, cozy, and satisfying—without feeling overly heavy. Tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a light yet velvety cream sauce, then baked until bubbly with a lightly golden top. It’s the kind of dish that smells incredible as it bakes and looks just as inviting when it comes out of the oven.
What makes this recipe special is its balance. The creaminess feels indulgent, but the broccoli adds freshness and texture that keeps each bite light and wholesome. It’s a fantastic way to get vegetables onto the plate in a way everyone genuinely enjoys. This dish works beautifully for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for busy days when you want something homemade and nourishing.
Serve it when you’re craving comfort without heaviness—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy evenings at home. Estimated calories: ~480 per serving, depending on pasta and cheese choices.
Key Ingredients
Each ingredient contributes to flavor, balance, and texture:
- Pasta (Penne or Fusilli) – Holds the creamy sauce in every bite
- Boneless Chicken Breast – Lean, tender protein
- Broccoli Florets – Adds freshness, color, and crunch
- Olive Oil – Helps sauté the chicken and adds richness
- Butter – Builds a smooth, flavorful sauce base
- Garlic – Adds warmth and savory depth
- Yellow Onion – Provides mild sweetness and balance
- All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the sauce gently
- Low-Fat Milk – Keeps the sauce light yet creamy
- Chicken Broth – Adds savory flavor without heaviness
- Parmesan Cheese – Nutty, salty depth
- Mozzarella Cheese – Light melt and mild creaminess
- Salt – Enhances all flavors
- Black Pepper – Gentle warmth
- Italian Seasoning – Herbal balance
- Red Pepper Flakes – Optional touch of heat
- Fresh Parsley – Bright, fresh finish
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish. Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pasta water to blanch them until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until smooth and lightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese, season to taste, then fold in chicken, pasta, and broccoli.
Transfer everything to the baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This baked pasta shines when served straight from the oven in a family-style dish, allowing everyone to help themselves to creamy, comforting portions. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a simple yet beautiful finish. Pair it with a crisp side salad—think mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette—to brighten the plate and balance the richness.
For a more polished presentation, portion the pasta into individual bowls and finish with cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish also works wonderfully for meal-prep lunches, served alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread. You can even turn it into a buffet-style meal by offering toppings like toasted breadcrumbs, chili flakes, or extra cheese for customization.
Storage + Meal Prep
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The sauce stays creamy, and the flavors continue to meld, making this dish just as enjoyable the next day.
To reheat, microwave individual portions with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce, or reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This pasta can be frozen, though the texture is best when enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Add fresh herbs or a handful of steamed broccoli when reheating to refresh the dish and brighten flavors.
Conclusion
This Baked Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta proves that comfort food can be both light and satisfying. It’s easy to make, full of familiar flavors, and perfect for feeding hungry families or prepping ahead for busy weeks.
Whether you keep it simple or customize it with mushrooms, spinach, or whole-grain pasta, this dish is endlessly adaptable and always comforting. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to share how it turned out—this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
