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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.
Here are all the details
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!
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 423 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 3/4 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. 2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Add the butter, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, and cook until golden and toasted, 2-3 minutes. 3. Add the broth and milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add the pasta and broccoli and season with salt and pepper. Stir frequently until the pasta is al dente and the broth has been absorbed, about 8-10 minutes. 4. Stir in 1 cup of cheese. If needed, transfer everything to an oven-safe casserole dish. Scatter the remaining cheese over top of the casserole. 4. Bake 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Serve warm with additional thyme and fresh basil.
Hi, Is this recipe calling for raw or cooked chicken?
Hi there,
This recipe is using raw chicken, it will cook in step 2. Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xx
thank you for asking, i had the same question!
I actually can’t stop eating this. I have been making it weekly. I crave it all the time. Thank you so much for this recipe!!!
Hey Colleen,
Fantastic!! I love that this recipe turned out tasty for you, thanks so much for giving it a try! xx
Such a great dinner fed my hungry family of 5 with lunch leftovers! Based of the comments added a half cup of heavy cream and only cooked in the over for 10 minutes. So good, will be in the regular rotation.
Hey Emily,
Amazing!! So glad to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for making it and sharing your review:)
Nice Sunday dinner!
Hey Nikki,
Happy Monday!! 🍁 Love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks a bunch for making it! xT
I would definitely cook the chicken later in the recipe if you are choosing to bake it! But over all guests said 10/10! Thank you for a great recipe!!!
Hey Kate,
Fantastic!! Thanks so much for sharing your feedback and giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it turned out well for you! Have a great weekend:)
Both my kids ate it. That’s the only endorsement you need. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Hey Jami,
Lol awesome!! So glad to hear that this recipe was a hit:) xTieghan
Hi tiegan! Was going to make this tonight… I’m wondering if you wanted to make ahead, would you still follow the recipe and then wait to bake for the next night? I’m worried the noodles would get soggy.
Hey Garen,
Yup, I would make through step 4, cover and pop in the fridge until you are ready to bake the next day. Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xT
Any recommendations for reheating from frozen? I separated into two and froze one without baking it, so it’s more of a half portion, but it still fills a pie pan. We absolutely love this dish! I figured it would be a good idea to freeze some for an easy weekday dinner when I don’t feel like cooking!
Hey Courtney,
I would cover with foil and bake at 350F until bubbly! I hope this recipe turns out well for you, please let me know if you give it a try! xT
3.5 stars! After reading the comments I didn’t even bother to bake it. I used the recommended milk and broth and I thought that was enough. The consistency was perfect just from the stove top cooking. I just mixed in all the cheese instead of having a cheesy top. Pretty good dish, not as flavorful as I would have liked, but definitely warm and hearty.
Hey Claire,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xx
This has to be my new favorite recipe of yours. It was delicious. So comforting and hearty without being heavy.
I did add more broth and milk like other reviews said and it turned out perfect!
Hey Alyssa,
Happy Wednesday! Thanks so much for making this dish and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xTxT
Can’t wait to try this! Can this be frozen for another time?
Hey Karen,
Sure, that should be just fine for you to do! I hope this recipe turns out well for you, let me know if you have any other questions! xT
So good! Hearty, comfy, delicious dish all in one pan, what more can you ask for? Another winner!
Hey Marijke,
Happy Sunday! 🎃 So glad to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for making it and sharing your feedback! xx
I also didn’t read the comments but modified it as I went, about 3 cups of broth, I maybe added half the amount of pasta because there wouldn’t have been enough liquid and we aren’t huge pasta people. The flavor was excellent when I doubled the spices. My husband went Gaga for it. Thank you!
Hey Amanda,
Happy Sunday! 🎃 So glad to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for making it and sharing your feedback! xx
I really wanted to like this and wish I had read the comments before making. Unfortunately, it was too dry like others said. If I had served after cooking on the stove I think it would’ve been much better. Putting in the oven at such a high temp dried it out too much for my taste.
Hi Jenny,
So sorry to hear that this was not enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Please let me know if there is anything that I can help with! xT
I made this despite all the reviews because of the calorie count. Unfortunately after making it and realizing how off it seemed, I calculated them myself and it’s closer to 580 per serving, not 420, which is very disappointing. I understand they are an estimate but that’s a very large amount. I used 3.5c broth and waited to add in the broccoli so it cooked quickly but overall just very dry, like you’re just eating noodles.
Hi Leanne,
Thanks for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback, sorry to hear it was not enjoyed! I always recommend that if the nutritional information is important to you, you use your own personal calculator. Ours is automatic and controlled by google. It’s not something we’d prefer to be using. We are required to. I’m sorry for the trouble, we do our best! xT
This was an absolute hit with my whole family. I followed all the instructions and had no problems with the pasta drying out or not enough liquid, it was fab.
Hey Abigayil,
Happy Sunday!!🎃 I am delighted to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it and sharing your feedback! xx