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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.
Made this after seeing it on IG. Very simple, quick, and delicious! I used pre cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken and added a touch of water so there’d be enough liquid. It turned out great and is definitely going into our regular rotation!
Hey Kelsey,
Wonderful!! I appreciate you taking the time to make this recipe, I am so glad it was a hit! Happy Wednesday:)
This was such a huge hit! I added slightly more milk, but do not add too much liquid! It is not supposed to cover the pasta. This made the pasta a little crispy when it came out of the oven, which I LOVE.
Hi Brianna,
Amazing!! Thanks a lot for trying this dish and sharing your feedback, I love to hear that it was tasty for you! xT
Printed the recipe just last week but mine has 1 garlic clove, chopped and no Parmesan listed??
Hi Ellie,
So sorry, there was a typo, you may have printed the recipe before I had the chance to fix it! You can follow it now:) I hope you love the dish! xT
Lacked flavor, disappointed
Hi Anne,
Thanks for giving this recipe a try, sorry to hear it wasn’t enjoyed. Please let me know if there is any thing that I can help with! xT
Made this for my family tonight. I doubled the recipe and they devoured it. This recipe is a keeper.
Hi Crystal,
Amazing!! I am so glad to hear that your family enjoyed this recipe, thanks for making it! xTieghan
Soooo tasty! HBH does it again. I love her spin on classic recipes. During college I ate these Knorrs Broccoli Cheddar pasta packets all the time with my roommates. They were cheap and delicious but so unhealthy. This recipe unexpectedly replicated the taste perfectly! A pleasent burst of nostalgia ?
Hey Bella,
I love this! Thanks for trying this recipe, I love to hear that it brought back some fun memories for you! xTieghan
Good flavors and my family really liked it. Same as others, felt that there needed more liquid for creaminess. I’d either do less noodles or more liquid. Otherwise, yummy flavors.
Hi Lacey,
Amazing!! Thanks a lot for trying this dish and sharing your feedback, I love to hear that it was tasty for you! xT
Made this tonight exactly as stated. By the time my noodles were al dente the liquid was pretty much gone. After baking, the noodles were dry with no sauce. The flavors were good but I guess I needed more liquid before the baking step when I stirred in the cheese. I am at 7,900 elevation so maybe that’s why I lost my liquid so quickly. Also, in the photos it shows short cut home made noodles, then the finished product is fat elbow noodles or something other than the home made noodles.
Hey Stephanie,
Thanks for making this recipe and sharing your feedback. It sounds like your heat may have been slightly too high, I don’t think it was the elevation:) I used elbow noodles for this dish, but any short cut noodle works like the recipe calls for! xx
I made this tonight and I think it may be one of my families favorite meals!!! 10/10 recommend!
Hey Kelly,
That’s amazing! Thanks so much for making this dish and sharing with your family, I am so glad it was a hit! xT
I made this for dinner last night and it was a big hit! Really enjoying trying your recipes.
Hi Frankie,
Fantastic! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it! xT
Does this casserole freeze well? Trying to make a bunch of meals to deliver parents weekend. Looking for new recipes to try. Thanks
Hi Kelly,
Totally, that will work well for you! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Can I substitute rice for pasta? If so should I double the ounces called for in the recipe?
Hey there,
Sorry, I would not recommend that for this recipe, give this one a try:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/broccoli-cheddar-chicken-and-rice-casserole/
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Hello, how much garlic powder? And when do we add the fresh garlic? Thanks!
The garlic powder is listed below the chicken in the ingredients list, but no fresh garlic is used ?
Hi Anna,
You can skip the fresh garlic, that is a typo and use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder:) I hope you love this recipe! xT
Where/when is rice added?
I don’t believe rice is listed as an ingredient
Hi Kayla,
There is no rice in this recipe:) Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love the dish! xTieghan
This was really good and was perfect as leftovers. I will definitely make again.
Hi, what point do you add the Parmesan cheese? With the cup of Cheddar cheese?
Thanks so much.
P.S. Absolutely love your cookbook.
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for your kind message! Yes, you can add the parmesan with the cheddar:) I hope you love the recipe! xTieghan
Simply delish!
Thanks so much Melissa:)
Hi Amy,
Amazing!! Thanks a lot for trying this dish and sharing your feedback, I love to hear that it was tasty for you! xT