Why You’ll Love Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This dish brings together all the best elements of comfort food: creamy cheese sauce, hearty pasta, and wholesome chicken and broccoli. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep — and thanks to the use of rotisserie chicken, it comes together quickly with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound spaghetti, broken in half
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
21 ounces cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
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
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until about 2 minutes shy of al dente. During the last minute, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain, reserving up to 2 cups of pasta water.
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In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and cubed cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
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Add 2 ½ cups of the sharp cheddar, all of the pepper jack, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted into the sauce. Gradually whisk in pasta water — about 1 cup to start — until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
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In a very large bowl or pot, combine the cooked spaghetti, broccoli, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce. Toss until everything is well coated.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar over the top.
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Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is golden. If you want extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly.
Servings and timing
Serves: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
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Different cheeses: Swap pepper jack for Monterey Jack or Colby, and use a mix of mild and sharp cheddar.
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Vegetable add‑in: Stir in sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for more veggies.
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Make it gluten‑free: Use gluten‑free spaghetti and ensure your soup is gluten‑free.
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Protein swap: Replace chicken with turkey or cooked sausage for a twist.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of milk or pasta water before reheating. You can also freeze portions for up to 2–3 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the spaghetti just shy of al dente before baking. It will finish cooking in the oven without becoming too soft.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes. Thaw and drain well before adding to avoid excess water in the casserole.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is this recipe freezer‑friendly?
Yes. Assemble and cover the casserole with foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
Shredded cooked chicken from leftovers or poached chicken breasts work perfectly.
Can I make this dairy‑free?
You can substitute dairy‑free cream cheese, milk, and cheese alternatives, though texture and flavor will vary.
What goes well with this casserole?
A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the rich, creamy pasta nicely.
Can I add herbs?
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil stirred in before serving add bright flavor.
How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced chiles to the sauce.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×13‑inch baking dish works best to ensure even baking and a nice cheesy top.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a satisfying and comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. With its creamy cheese sauce, hearty ingredients, and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a go‑to favorite in your kitchen.
