If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal, this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is exactly what you need. Tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce come together in one dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Plus, with a golden, crispy cheese topping, every bite is absolute perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting & Hearty – A satisfying dish loaded with pasta, chicken, and veggies in a creamy sauce.
  • Easy to Make – Simple steps make this an approachable dish for any home cook.
  • Cheesy & Flavorful – A rich blend of Parmesan and mozzarella takes the flavor to another level.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

What You Need To Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

  • Pasta (I used rigatoni – sturdy pasta works best to hold the creamy sauce.)
  • Boneless chicken thighs or tenderloins (Adds protein and flavor; you can use chicken breast as a leaner option.)
  • Olive oil (For searing the chicken.)
  • Butter (We’re searing the onion in the butter, it also adds richness to the sauce.)
  • Yellow onion, diced (Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.)
  • Off The Chain AP seasoning (This is my seasoning, you can also you use your favorite all purpose one.)
  • Tony’s Creole seasoning (Adds a little Cajun kick to balance the creamy sauce.)
  • Fresh Garlic, minced (Do not use that jar stuff.)
  • Heavy cream (The base for the luscious, rich sauce.)
  • Broccoli, cooked (to cook, boil it for about 1 minute then drop into ice water. Don’t overcook or will be mushy)
  • Spinach (A great way to sneak in extra greens, wilts beautifully into the sauce.)
  • Parmesan cheese, shredded (Adds sharp, nutty flavor.)
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded (Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy texture and cheese pull.)

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

1. Preheat Oven and Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook your pasta al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. Season and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken with half of the Off The Chain AP seasoning and Tony’s Creole seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until it’s cooked through and has a nice golden color. Remove the chicken, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.

3. Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining seasoning and the diced onion. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded Parmesan and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, cooked broccoli, and spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. Salt and pepper to taste.

5. Bake to Perfection

If your dish isn’t oven safe, transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, switch to broil for another 3-5 minutes to get a golden, crispy cheese topping.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and delicious pasta bake!

Tips for the Best Pasta Bake

  • Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate your own for the best texture.
  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Since it will bake further in the oven, cook it just until al dente to avoid mushy pasta.
  • Season in Layers – Season the chicken, the sauce, and the final mixture to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.
  • Let it Rest – Allow the pasta bake to sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld together.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a dish the whole family will love! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it's perfect for a cozy night in or prepping for the week ahead. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pasta i used rigatoni
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or tenderloins
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for searing chicken
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 tsp Off The Chain AP seasoning divided (or your favorite ap seasoning)
  • 2 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning divided
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 head of garlic minced
  • 2.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1-2 cups broccoli cooked
  • 2 handfuls spinach
  • 2 cups Parmesan cheese shredded (divided)
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded (divided)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Season chicken with half of the seasonings. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken until cooked through. Remove, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
  • Melt butter in the same skillet. Add the remaining seasoning and onion. Cook until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, then stir in 1 cup of Parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella until melted and smooth.
  • Add pasta, chicken, broccoli, and spinach to the skillet. Stir to combine and taste for salt and pepper.
  • Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 5 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.
  • Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!