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It’s hard to beat this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole. Think broccoli cheddar soup meets cozy weeknight casserole. It’s made entirely in one pot and comes together in less than an hour. Made with chicken, short-cut pasta, herbs, and lots of broccoli. Cook everything together in a big skillet, add cheese, and finish this off in the oven. Simple, but so delicious. The perfect weeknight casserole!
Like clockwork, September hits, and I’m back to sharing more casseroles. For me, September is all about transitioning into a more cozy lifestyle. With school starting and the days getting shorter, it means crisp fall crisp days are just ahead.
Even though our summer was short and I didn’t want it to end. There’s probably not a month I love more than September. Our weather is perfect, there’s so much excitement for the season ahead, and I can finally share the recipes I really love most. The cozy recipes.
And to me, casseroles are cozy family dinners that everyone loves.
My broccoli cheddar casserole was inspired by an oldie but goodie recipe. I shared a little different version of this recipe a few years back. It was also inspired by the Panera broccoli cheddar soup I grew up eating every single fall back in Cleveland.
I love a casserole-style dinner served up on a Sunday or Monday night. They’re cozy and usually pretty easy to throw together.
Today’s recipe is made entirely in one pot and in under an hour’s time.
As mentioned, this all starts and ends in one pot. Or two pots if you decide you want to bake this in a casserole dish for a “real deal” midwest style casserole situation.
Start with the basics. Cook your onion, add the chicken, and give the chicken some time to sear. Then add a touch of butter, garlic, fresh thyme, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne.
At this point, pour in broth and milk, add your favorite shortcut noodle, and then add the broccoli. Simmer until the noodles are just about al dente.
Once the noodles have cooked, stir in a handful of cheese until creamy.
Now, this is when you can transfer everything to a casserole dish if needed/desired.
Top with cheddar cheese and bake until the cheese is melty and the broccoli on the top has a little char. Then, I always finish with fresh herbs, usually basil or thyme.
The corners of the dish will form an insanely delicious cheesy crust. While the top is crispy, the middle is extra creamy and delicious. It’s a wonderful combination.
If you prefer to go the vegetarian route, simply omit the chicken from the dish. It’s truly just as delicious without or without, so do what works best for you and your family.
This dish brings back so many memories. Any kind of casserole does. It reminds me of nights eating my mom’s chicken noodle casserole with my brothers.
Only this is better and much healthier. We all love it. Though, it could be fun to give chicken noodle casserole a refresh in my kitchen. Maybe a little healthier version, what do you think?
Looking for other easy back-to-school recipes? Here are a few ideas:
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken
Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake
One Skillet Street Corn Chicken Enchilada Bake
Lastly, if you make this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
This was SO YUMMY! Because my pasta ALWAYS takes forever to cook, I used 2 cups milk and 2 2/3 cups chicken broth – it came out perfect. I also doubled the chicken to make it hearty enough for my carnivorous husband -he loved it as much as me. Thanks for another incredible recipe to add to my rotation!
Hey Amy,
Fantastic!! I appreciate you trying this recipe and your feedback, so glad to hear it was a winner! xT
Why is rice in the title of this dish? I’m confused
Hi Sarah,
So sorry, I am not sure where you are seeing that:) There is no rice in this dish. Please let me know if I can help with anything else! xT
For everyone saying the ratio is off and needs more liquid. It doesn’t…you just have to stir it frequently. I’ve made this dish at least 10 times exactly how it’s written and it’s perfect everytime
Thanks for sharing this, Kasha!! Hopefully it will be helpful for others:) xx
Can you make this ahead of time and bake later?
Hey Brianna,
Sure, that would work well for you! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xT
Your amounts are all off! What a waste.
Hi Pam,
Sorry to hear you had some issues with this recipe. Can I ask what happened here? What did you feel was off? Please let me know how I can help! xT
Thanks for this recipe. Added mushrooms in lieu of carrots and added another cup of cheese. Family enjoyed it a lot.
Hi Karen,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for making this recipe and your comment, I’m so glad it was yummy! xx
Just made this last night. The liquid to pasta ratio was wayy off. I had to add in at least another 2 cups of boiling water and an additional 10 minutes for my pasta to reach al dente. I even left out about 1 cup of dried pasta because I was worried there wasn’t enough broth. Flavor wise it was good.
Hi Rose,
Thanks for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback! Sorry to hear you had to add more water than instructed! xx
Omg nvm I loaded the wrong recipe and kept looking thinking I was on a different page hahaha so sorry!
Lol no worries!! Let me know if I can help finding something! xx
Did I miss the rice in this rice casserole?
Hi Amanda,
There is no rice in this recipe:) Please let me know if I can help in any other way! xT