Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love how this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe combines comforting flavors into one hearty dish. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, with tender chicken, cheesy noodles, and bright broccoli all baked to bubbly perfection. You’ll find that it works wonderfully for weeknight dinners or even when you want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

When I first tried this casserole, I was amazed at how easy it was to whip up, yet it tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day. The blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, paired with fresh thyme and seasonings, really elevates the whole dish. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak some veggies into dinner without anyone noticing—especially if, like me, you’ve got picky eaters at home!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe lies in simple, everyday ingredients you can find in any grocery store. The olive oil and butter give a rich base, while fresh thyme and spices add layers of flavor. Using low sodium chicken broth helps control saltiness, and a mix of cheddar and Parmesan gives that irresistible cheesy taste.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a beautiful, subtle fruitiness and is great for sautéing vegetables.
• Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation once cooked.
• Carrots: Add natural sweetness and texture to the casserole.
• Boneless chicken breasts: Keeps the casserole lean but packed with protein; cutting into cubes ensures quick, even cooking.
• Garlic powder: A pantry staple that infuses a subtle, savory punch without overpowering.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all flavors.
• Salted butter: Brings richness and helps meld flavors while cooking.
• Fresh thyme leaves: I love this herb for its earthy freshness that pairs perfectly with chicken and cheese.
• Paprika: Adds depth and a hint of smokiness.
• Cayenne pepper: Optional, but a little kick wakes up the dish beautifully.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta and infuses flavor without making it salty.
• Milk: Creates the creamy base when combined with broth for the noodles.
• Short cut pasta: Choose something like penne or shells so the sauce clings nicely to each piece.
• Broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color and healthy greens—roughly chopped for even cooking.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts umami and adds a salty tang.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy pockets of gooey goodness.

Variations

I love experimenting with this casserole to suit whatever mood or ingredients I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to swap chicken for turkey or add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. Feel free to swap out the cheddar for a sharper aged cheese or even a milder mozzarella if you want it creamier.

• Vegetarian Version: I tried replacing chicken with tofu cubes and it was surprisingly tasty when seasoned well.
• Spicy Boost: Adding more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce gives it a fun zing that my family enjoys on game nights.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in a little cream cheese before baking for an indulgently creamy texture.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies and Chicken to Building Flavor

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and carrots and let them cook until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This step is key because it creates a flavorful base. Next, add the cubed chicken, season well with salt and pepper, then toss in your butter, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Cook everything until the chicken pieces are nicely golden and the spices smell toasted, around 2 to 3 minutes. I love this part because it’s when the whole dish really starts to smell like home.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Broth and Cook Pasta and Broccoli Together

Pour in the chicken broth and milk, bringing the mix to a gentle boil over medium heat. Now add your short cut pasta and chopped broccoli directly to the pot. Season again lightly with salt and pepper, and keep stirring frequently so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. The pasta will soak up all the flavorful broth while the broccoli cooks just right—crisp-tender and vibrant green. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. My trick is to keep tasting the pasta near the end so it’s perfectly al dente.

Step 3: Stir in Cheese and Prepare for Baking

Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked and the broth is mostly absorbed, stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese to melt into the mixture. Sometimes the pot I use isn’t oven-safe, so I transfer everything to a casserole dish. Then scatter the remaining cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Gooey

Bake the casserole at 425° F for about 20 minutes or until the cheese topping is melted and just starting to brown. This last step is when the magic happens—the edges get crispy and the cheese takes on that irresistible golden hue. Serve warm, and don’t forget to sprinkle with some fresh thyme and basil for that bright finish. It’s a small touch that really brings everything together.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and chopped basil right before serving—it adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich, cheesy flavors. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper or a tiny drizzle of olive oil for extra shine. Rounded out, it looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is pretty filling, I usually pair it with something light and fresh, like a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted cherry tomatoes. If you want to go the extra mile, garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are fantastic for mopping up any cheesy sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve tried serving this casserole in individual ramekins for dinner parties—it feels a little more special and personalized. Another fun way is to layer it in a clear glass casserole dish so your guests can see the colorful layers before baking. Either way, it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This casserole reheats beautifully and is often even better the next day once the flavors have melded together even more.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. If freezing before, I recommend cooking the pasta just shy of al dente to avoid mushiness later. To freeze after baking, cool completely and wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap—this lasts well up to 3 months.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. If reheating single portions, the microwave works fine, but I prefer the oven for that fresh-baked texture on top.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something cozy and satisfying without too much fuss. Its balance of creamy cheese, hearty chicken, and fresh broccoli never fails to bring smiles around my dinner table. I genuinely think you’re going to enjoy making (and eating) this as much as I do—it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a special treat every time.

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