Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Ready Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Introduction
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole is a perfect family meal that combines nutrients, flavours and a fair share of comfort. This hearty casserole offers every element of an unforgettable meal; tender chicken chunks, crunchy broccoli florets, pasta, and creamy cheese. Ideal for a busy weeknight dinner!
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole checks all the boxes of a delicious and balanced meal. The creaminess of cheese coupled with the juicy chicken and nutritious broccoli results in a magnificent blend of flavors. This recipe is very versatile and easy to adapt to your family’s preferences. It’s also a great option when you have leftover chicken from the previous dinner!
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Be ready to wow everyone with this quick and easy recipe. Gather all ingredients and follow the given directions to enjoy a comforting meal. Ensure all ingredients are fresh to get the best results.
Ingredients :
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work great)
– 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp butter, melted
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Directions :
To begin, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, cook the pasta as per the instructions on the package until al dente. Grab the broccoli and blanch it quickly in boiling water for 2 minutes then drain and set it aside.
Next, mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese, pre-cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and pasta until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Combine the melted butter and breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Make a crumbly topping by sprinkling this mixture over the casserole. Top it up with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Your casserole is ready once it’s bubbly and has a golden brown top. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Serve this dish hot right out of the oven with a side of salad or garlic bread. It’s a complete meal in itself, you don’t really need anything more to complement it.
How to Store Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for upto three days.
Tips to Make Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole
– You can use any pasta of your choice.
– Always use fresh broccoli for a crunchier texture.
– You can substitute canned chicken soup with homemade.
Variation (if any)
This recipe is very versatile and you can add, remove, or replace ingredients according to your preferences. You can add bell peppers for some extra crunch or try it with different types of cheese!
FAQs
1. Can I substitute milk with almond milk?
Yes, you can substitute milk with almond milk but the taste might be slightly different.
2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
While fresh broccoli gives the best result, you can substitute it with frozen in case it’s not available.
3. What kind of pasta can be used for this casserole?
Any kind of pasta that retains sauce well (like penne or rotini) works great for this recipe.