CHEESY CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PENNE BAKE

LEEZA JOHAN

 A Delicious & Satisfying Family Dinner

This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Penne Bake is a complete meal, all baked to golden perfection. It combines the comfort of pasta with savory chicken and vibrant broccoli, all enrobed in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and topped with irresistible, golden breadcrumbs. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, satisfying dish that everyone will love.

CHEESY CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PENNE BAKE

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

  • Yields: 6-8 servings

  • Cuisine: American / Italian Fusion

  • Dietary Note: Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (16 oz) Penne pasta

  • 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small bite-sized pieces

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (can use rotisserie chicken)

  • For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

    • 3 tablespoons butter

    • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

    • 3 cups whole milk, warmed

    • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

    • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    • Salt, to taste

  • For the Topping:

    • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

    • Pinch of dried parsley

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similarly sized oven-safe casserole dish.

  2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions for al dente. In the last 3-4 minutes of the pasta's cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli well and return them to the large pot. Add the cooked chicken to the pot.

  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and bubbly. Slowly whisk in the warmed milk, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens and can coat the back of a spoon.

  4. Add the Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

  5. Combine Everything: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta, broccoli, and chicken in the large pot. Gently stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy sauce. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

  6. Make the Topping and Bake: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil (or melted butter), and dried parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta bake.

  7. Bake and Serve: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is a beautiful golden brown. For an extra golden and crispy top, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

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