Name: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces rotini pasta; 3 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup chopped yellow onion; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 ½ cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 2 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken breast; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces), divided

If you’re craving that perfect blend of comfort food and wholesome goodness, you’re going to adore this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how it combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and cheesy, saucy noodles into one cozy dish that’s just as satisfying on a weeknight as it is for weekend family dinners. Stick around—I’m sharing all my best tips to help you nail this recipe every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: You’ll find this casserole surprisingly simple to pull together with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender chicken and broccoli—it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this one—it’s perfect for picky eaters and those craving a wholesome meal.
Flexible & Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a serving of rotini pasta mixed with chunks of cooked chicken, bright green broccoli florets, and melted yellow cheese drizzled unevenly over the top. The pasta spirals are pale cream and slightly glossy, nestled closely with tender pieces of chicken and small green broccoli heads, all lightly sprinkled with small bits of fresh green herbs. A silver fork rests partially on the right edge of the plate, with its tines touching some pasta. There is a gray cloth napkin in the lower right corner and a partial view of another white plate and a glass baking dish in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole, cheesy chicken broccoli bake, easy comfort food dinner, hearty chicken noodle casserole, quick weeknight family meal

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe is carefully chosen to create that rich, creamy sauce and the perfect texture. Let me walk you through what makes them work and what you might want to look for in the store.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked rotini pasta spirals, fresh bright green broccoli florets cut into bite-size pieces, three glossy unsalted butter cubes, a small mound of finely chopped yellow onion, a small heap of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale golden chicken broth, another small white ceramic bowl holding creamy whole milk, a tiny white ceramic bowl with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a separate tiny white ceramic bowl containing fine garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt crystals, another small white ceramic bowl with ground black pepper, bite-size pieces of cooked chicken breast arranged naturally, and a neat pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole, cheesy chicken broccoli bake, easy comfort food dinner, hearty chicken noodle casserole, quick weeknight family meal

Rotini pasta: This curly pasta holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a fresh crunch and color—feel free to chop them bite-size so they cook just right.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the dish better.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed—don’t skip this step!
All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the sauce; make sure to whisk it well to avoid lumps.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps flavors balanced without overpowering salt.
Whole milk: Creates that creamy texture that makes this casserole so irresistible.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity.
Garlic powder: For a subtle garlic kick without the bite of fresh garlic.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go!
Cooked chicken breast: This is your protein powerhouse; you can use leftover roasted chicken or quickly poach some fresh.
Shredded cheddar cheese: I like sharp cheddar for its bold flavor and good melting properties.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe my own by switching things up depending on what I have or want to try. There’s so much room to get creative here, and I think you’ll enjoy experimenting too!

Swap Pasta Shapes: I once used penne, and the sauce clung just as well. Feel free to try shells or even egg noodles.
Make it Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free flour and pasta worked great when I made this for a friend with sensitivities.
Add Different Veggies: Try steamed cauliflower or mushrooms for a fun twist—my kids didn’t even notice!
Cheese Variations: Mixing cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack gives a gooey, melty texture I adore.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions, aiming for al dente – you don’t want it mushy because it will bake more later! About two minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets. This way, your broccoli steams gently alongside the noodles, retaining that bright green color and slight crunch. Drain everything and give it a quick cold rinse to stop the cooking process—trust me, this little trick keeps your broccoli lively and your pasta from sticking together.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Sauce Base

While your pasta and broccoli are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. I always love this step because the scent of butter melting combined with sizzling onions fills the kitchen with cozy vibes. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent but not browned. Then sprinkle over the flour and whisk quickly for about 30 seconds—this cooks out the floury taste that could ruin your sauce’s smoothness. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, followed by your Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to creamy perfection.

Step 3: Combine Everything and Bake

Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the chopped cooked chicken, your drained pasta, broccoli, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This is the magic moment where everything starts coming together! Pour the mixture into a 13×9-inch baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese for that golden, bubbly finish everyone loves. Cover with foil and bake in your preheated oven at 375° F for 15 minutes. Then uncover and bake 5 more minutes so the cheese melts into that irresistible gooey goodness.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Remember the pasta will keep cooking in the oven, so aim for just shy of al dente when boiling.
Cold Rinse Pasta & Veggies: This stops cooking instantly and prevents mushy casserole.
Whisk Sauce Constantly: It’s key to avoid lumps and get that silky texture everyone craves.
Use Freshly Cooked Chicken: Leftovers work, but freshly cooked (roasted or poached) chicken keeps this casserole tasting vibrant.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of pasta made with spiral-shaped noodles mixed with chunks of light-colored cooked chicken and small, bright green broccoli florets, all coated in a creamy light yellow cheese sauce with a slightly shiny texture; the dish is placed on a white marbled surface next to a partially visible glass baking dish filled with more pasta, a small bunch of fresh parsley with deep green leaves, and a folded light gray cloth napkin holding three metal forks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole, cheesy chicken broccoli bake, easy comfort food dinner, hearty chicken noodle casserole, quick weeknight family meal

Garnishes

I personally love sprinkling a handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. A little cracked black pepper on top goes a long way too. Sometimes I toss on a few crispy fried onions for extra texture; they’re an unexpected hit every time.

Side Dishes

Because this casserole is rich and filling, I typically like to serve it with something light and fresh like a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect if you’re feeling more indulgent or want that classic cozy dinner vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday meals or when guests are over, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins. It feels special and helps with portion control. You could also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top for a crispy golden crust—it’s a simple upgrade that wows every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, let any leftovers cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. I’ve found that this casserole keeps nicely for up to 3-4 days—and the flavors actually deepen overnight!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I like to portion it out into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated 350° F oven until bubbling—usually about 20 minutes. If reheating single portions, a microwave works fine; just heat gently to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works fine—just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the pasta to avoid excess water in the casserole.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this casserole?

Poaching chicken breasts gently in broth or water keeps them tender and juicy, which works beautifully here. Leftover roasted chicken also adds great flavor and saves time.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free milk, and a dairy-free cheese substitute. The texture and flavor will change slightly but still delicious.
Is it better to cover with foil when baking?

Covering with foil in the first part of baking helps keep moisture in and prevents the cheese from burning. Removing it toward the end gives you a nice bubbly, golden topping.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to whenever I want something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The balance of cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli all wrapped up with perfectly cooked pasta just can’t be beat. I truly hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and delicious as my family and I do—it’s a go-to that never disappoints, especially after a busy day. Happy cooking, friend!