Name: Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti (broken in half); 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 3 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded); 21 ounces cream of chicken soup (2 cans) or cream of mushroom soup; 12 ounces evaporated milk; 6 ounces cream cheese (softened and cubed); 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided); 1-2 cups reserved pasta water (as needed)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

There’s something incredibly comforting and downright irresistible about this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy sauce mingling with tender shredded chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and spaghetti tossed all together into one soul-satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or craving a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole hits all the right notes with its rich flavors, ooey-gooey texture, and vibrant pops of green. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull together with everyday ingredients that come together in about 50 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl in the center filled with shredded chicken, surrounded by several smaller white bowls and containers holding different ingredients on a white marbled surface. To the top left, there is a bowl with sharp cheddar cheese in thin orange strands, while to the right, a bowl with pepper jack cheese appears as off-white shredded pieces. Next to the shredded chicken are chunks of cream cheese in a bowl, and below that is a bowl full of fresh green broccoli florets. In front of the chicken is a small pitcher with evaporated milk, and next to it a bowl of creamy, light yellow cream of chicken soup. There is also Dijon mustard in a small white bowl, and measuring spoons with garlic and onion powder above the chicken. Salt and pepper shakers sit behind the chicken bowl, and loose dry spaghetti strands are scattered to the left and right edges of the image. A blue and white striped kitchen towel, with a silver whisk near it, lies at the bottom center. The entire scene is bright and neatly arranged, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is deceptively simple, but don’t let that fool you. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the fresh broccoli adding crunch and color to the creamy blend of cheeses and soup that wraps everything in luscious, velvety sauce. Here’s what you’ll gather to make this classic casserole shine:

1 pound spaghetti (broken in half): Cooking it just shy of al dente helps it finish perfectly in the oven.
4 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, slightly crunchy bite that brightens the dish.
3 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded): Convenient and flavorful, it’s the hearty protein base.
21 ounces cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom): Creates the creamy sauce foundation that’s rich and comforting.
12 ounces evaporated milk: Adds smoothness and a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
6 ounces cream cheese (softened and cubed): Brings extra creaminess and tangy flavor.
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard: A small punch of sharpness to elevate the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses warm aromatic notes throughout the casserole.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the dish.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese: Gives a creamy, slightly spicy kick to the sauce.
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided): Melts beautifully with a rich, tangy finish; divided for mixing and topping.
1-2 cups reserved pasta water (as needed): Helps loosen the sauce for perfect coating consistency.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil — this is your flavor base for the pasta. Add your spaghetti broken in half so it fits nicely, and cook until just about 2 minutes before al dente. During the very last minute, toss in your broccoli florets. This trick steams the broccoli perfectly right in the pasta water, keeping it tender-crisp and vibrantly green. Drain, but be sure to save about 2 cups of that starchy pasta water for your sauce.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and cream cheese. Stir gently as the cream cheese melts, working until everything becomes smooth, thick, and luscious. This is the heart of your casserole’s marvelous creaminess, so take your time to get it just right.

Step 3: Flavor and Melt the Cheese into the Sauce

To the creamy base, add 2 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all of your pepper jack cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir continuously until those cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich, velvety blend. Now, slowly whisk in 1 cup of your reserved pasta water, adding more if needed, to loosen the sauce so it coats every bite of spaghetti perfectly.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl or pot, toss together the nearly cooked spaghetti, bright broccoli florets, shredded rotisserie chicken, and that irresistible cheese sauce. Mix everything thoroughly so every strand of pasta is soaking in creamy goodness. This is where your casserole comes alive, rich with cheesiness and dotted with tender chicken and vibrant greens.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbly and beautifully golden. For an extra gorgeous crust, broil for 2-3 minutes until the top develops a gorgeous, golden-brown finish. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to set up just right.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

A white plate with raised dots holds a serving of creamy pasta casserole with three visible layers: the bottom layer is light creamy noodles mixed with small pieces of tender white meat and broccoli florets, the middle layer shows the noodles and meat coated thickly in white creamy sauce, and the top layer is golden melted cheese with some browned spots, garnished lightly with green herbs. The plate is stacked on three similar white plates on a white marbled surface, with a blue and white cloth to the right and silver forks and a utensil with a blue handle placed nearby. In the background, there is a white rectangular baking dish filled with more of the cheesy casserole, the top with melted golden cheese. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over each serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle kick and beautiful aroma that compliments the casserole’s creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce and adds a satisfying crunch alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins sprinkled with a bit of extra shredded cheese and broiled lightly for a personal cheesy crust. Or layer the casserole in a clear glass dish to show off the colorful broccoli and chicken nestled inside, making it as pretty as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your leftover Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Casserole to room temperature, then store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and stays moist thanks to that creamy sauce.

Freezing

If you want to make this meal in advance, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

Warm portions gently in the microwave or oven. To prevent drying out, cover the casserole with foil while reheating. A splash of milk or reserved pasta water can help revive the creamy texture if it needs a little loosening up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain well before adding it to the pasta to prevent excess moisture. The texture will be slightly softer but still delicious in the casserole.

What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to substitute pepper jack with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a bit of Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Sharp cheddar provides that signature tang so try to keep some sharp cheese in the mix.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted zucchini, and use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken. You could also add beans or lentils for extra protein.

Can I prepare this dish without cream of chicken soup?

Definitely. You can make your own creamy base with chicken broth and a roux or use a homemade white sauce to maintain that rich texture and flavor.

How spicy is the casserole?

The pepper jack cheese offers a mild to medium spice level. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount or replace it entirely with a milder cheese. For extra spice, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. The creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli combine into a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!