This is our family’s go-to casserole recipe. A creamy, no cook sauce deliciously coats pasta, chicken and broccoli while a melty layer of cheese seals in all of the flavor and broccoli adds a nice crunchy vegetable element. This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole has been in our family for decades. This recipe definitely works great for a simple family dinner, feeding a crowd, and we’ve even served it on holidays, too.

Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Ingredients

This recipe is so simple and I love that it doesn’t really involve too much effort. It uses mostly pantry staple ingredients, too.

Recipe History: My grandma Eula came up with this recipe, and it’s stayed in our family for many years. Christmas, Easter, this was our ‘go to’ recipe for holidays. I distinctly remember calling it ‘Eula’s Casserole’ and just thinking that every family ate this! It was a hallmark staple recipe for family get togethers, cozy football Sundays, and just an overall comfort meal. When I eat it now, it still tastes like home.

Pasta
- My favorite to use is rotini. You could also use farfalle, wagon wheels, or penne.
Broccoli
- I like to add the broccoli to the pasta once it’s almost cooked to soften it up. Strain together to save a dish, too.
Chicken Breast
- Cooked chicken breast. You could use a rotisserie chicken if you wanted to save a step.
Cream of Chicken
- Storebought, or your can make your own.
Mayonnaise
- Full fat for the best flavor but reduced fat will work.
Sour Cream
- I’ve substituted Greek yogurt and it tastes the same.
Lemon Juice
- Adds a little brightness.
Salt & Pepper
- I recommend tasting as you go.
Swiss Cheese
- Swiss cheese really adds to the flavor, and because this sauce is already pretty rich it helps it not get too oily.

Making Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Pasta

This recipe is easy to prep, and most of the time involved revolves around cooking the pasta and the chicken. I love this recipe because we eat the leftovers for days, and they actually freeze pretty well too which is a really nice reprieve for when I don’t feel like cooking!

Boil the pasta according to package directions.
While boiling the pasta, bake the chicken breasts (chicken is fully cooked at 165 degrees fahrenheit).
Once the pasta is almost fully cooked, add the broccoli to the boiling water alongside the pasta for about 2 minutes, and then strain it. This simultaneously cooks the broccoli, saving a step!
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove from oven and allow to rest until safe to handle. Cut chicken into cubes.
Make the sauce (mayonnaise, sour cream, cream of chicken, Swiss cheese, lemon juice, salt and pepper) and toss in the strained pasta/broccoli, along with the chicken. Mix until fully coated.
Transfer the casserole mixture into a deep casserole dish, and top with remaining leftover shredded Swiss cheese.
Bake covered with foil for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once bubbling, remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Tips for Making the Best Casserole

Make ahead: This is an easy recipe and the perfect make ahead casserole. You can assembly it up to 2 days in advance. Simple bake and serve when you’re ready!
Serve with or without sides: I’ve served this on its own, it has all the elements; starch, protein and vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s also particularly good with a side caesar salad and focaccia bread for a super filling meal.
- This is a great alternative to spaghetti dinners if you want some versatility!
If you have leftovers, you can reheat them, or freeze them for later.
- Reheating instructions:
  - Individual servings: Add 2 tablespoons of water per serving, and microwave (covered with a paper towel to prevent splattering).
  - If you have lots of leftovers, you can reheat them covered with foil in a casserole dish at 300 degrees fahrenheit in the oven. Cook until warmed throughout.
- Freezing Leftovers:
  - You can freeze leftover chicken casserole in a covered container for up to 3 months.
  - Place frozen leftovers in the refrigerator to allow them to gently thaw while you’re at work, then you only have to microwave once you get home! Super easy.
  - Follow the above reheating instructions and dinner is done.

Variations & Substitutions

I’ll be honest- this is a rich, comforting casserole. There are a few ways to make it healthier, but by nature, casserole can be pretty decadent. If you want a healthy casserole, I’d recommend our Healthy Mexican Casserole, or our Chicken Cauliflower Alfredo Casserole for another low-carb option.

Gluten Free: You can use gluten free pasta with this recipe! Campbells also makes a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
Lower Calories: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, low fat mayonnaise, and add more broccoli, and less pasta.
Lower Carb: Use low carb pasta, more broccoli, & extra chicken.

More Casserole Recipes

We love hearty casseroles. They’re perfect for so many occasions and the leftovers are just magic when you want a home cooked meal but don’t feel like cooking. Here’s a few more we think you’ll like!

Let’s eat! – Kathi & Rachel

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