Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe

By Maria

Sep 3, 2024

Daily Culinary Pleasures

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Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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Welcome to a Delicious Journey!

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, you’ve come to the right place. This Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole is a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy pasta, all wrapped in a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a casual gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this scrumptious casserole!

Introduction

The Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole is a modern twist on classic comfort food. Casseroles have long been a staple in many homes, celebrated for their simplicity and ability to bring people together around the dinner table. This particular recipe takes inspiration from traditional American casseroles, combining the savory flavors of chicken, broccoli, and cheese with a creamy sauce that binds it all together.

What makes this dish special is its versatility. It’s not just about the comforting flavors; it’s also about how easily you can customize it to suit your taste. You can switch up the pasta, add different vegetables, or even spice up the sauce. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken or veggies in your fridge.

Ingredients

To prepare this comforting Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole, you’ll need:

16 ounces pasta (tortiglioni, penne, ziti, or rigatoni)
3 cups broccoli florets (about 2 small heads, cut into bite-sized pieces)

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (large, cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
⅔ cup sour cream (full fat)

½ cup whole milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup Italian cheese blend (with mozzarella, Asiago, and Parmesan)
½ cup cheddar cheese

Optional Substitutions:

For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free cream of chicken soup.

How to Make Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole

Follow these steps to create your own delicious Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but stop cooking 1 minute earlier. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water 3 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain the pasta and broccoli, rinse with cool water, and set aside.
Sear the chicken: In a large, lightly oiled skillet, cook the chicken pieces over medium heat until they are golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Combine the ingredients: In a large pot or mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, pasta, and sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease a baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture, smooth it out, and top with half of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.

Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. For an extra touch, broil on low for a few minutes to brown the cheese.
Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips for Success

To make your Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole a success, here are some helpful tips:

Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, undercook it slightly during the initial boil to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
Cut the broccoli evenly: To ensure even cooking, cut the broccoli into similar-sized pieces.
Customize the cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend. Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese can add a unique twist.

Cooking Tips

Enhance your Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole with these additional cooking tips:

Boost the flavor: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a bit of heat.
Use fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.

Try different proteins: Swap the chicken for turkey or ham for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages:

Garlic bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Simple salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole.
White wine: Pair with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a delightful dining experience.

Nutritional Information

This Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole offers a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g

Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Sodium: 720mg
Potassium: 500mg
Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 3g
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 70% DV

Calcium: 25% DV
Iron: 10% DV

This dish is high in protein thanks to the chicken and cheese, while broccoli adds a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins. The creamy sauce, though indulgent, provides the right balance of fats to keep you satisfied.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Creative Leftover Ideas:

Casserole Muffins: Spoon the leftover casserole into a muffin tin and bake until crispy on the edges for a fun, portable snack.
Soup Base: Add chicken broth to the leftovers and simmer for a few minutes to create a creamy chicken and broccoli soup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just thaw the frozen broccoli and pat it dry before adding it to the casserole. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli might be a bit softer than fresh.

What other pasta shapes work well in this recipe?
Any short pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as fusilli, farfalle, or rotini, can be used. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole, here are some other recipes you might enjoy:

Creamy Garlic Alfredo Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe
One-Pan Sesame Chicken With Roasted Veggies Recipe: A Flavorful And Easy Weeknight Dinner

These dishes offer similar comforting flavors with different ingredients and cooking methods, giving you more options for meal planning.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole as much as I do. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your feedback or any variations you tried—I’d love to hear how it turned out! And if you have any questions, feel free to ask. Happy cooking!

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Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe

By Maria