Cheesy Chicken 
broccoli Pasta Casserole
broccoli Pasta CasseroleUltimate Comfort: Creamy Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
2 cups pasta, uncooked (penne or fusilli works well)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
Stir in flour and gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
Add cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix in the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and blanched broccoli florets until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Popular questions related to Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Casserole might include:
- How do you make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Casserole?
- To make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Casserole, you’ll need cooked pasta, shredded chicken, blanched broccoli florets, onion, garlic, cheddar cheese, milk, cream, flour, paprika, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Cook the pasta, make a creamy cheese sauce with the onion, garlic, flour, milk, and cheddar cheese, then mix in the pasta, chicken, and broccoli. Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
- Can I use different types of pasta for this casserole?
- Yes, you can use different types of pasta for Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Casserole. Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or any similar pasta shape will work well.
- How do you blanch broccoli for this casserole?
- To blanch broccoli for Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Casserole, simply bring a pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli florets, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Then, drain the broccoli and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Then, bake it according to the recipe instructions when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Casserole. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Frozen leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave until heated through