Baked Chicken Broccoli Cheese Pasta

Baked Chicken Broccoli Cheese Pasta

Ingredients:

– 12 ounces penne pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese
– 2 cups milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. **Prepare the Broccoli:**
– Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

4. **Make the Cheese Sauce:**
– In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute until well combined and bubbly.
– Gradually whisk in the milk and continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
– Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
– Remove from heat and add 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

5. **Combine Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

6. **Assemble the Casserole:**
– Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese on top.

7. **Bake the Casserole:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

8. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting baked chicken, broccoli, and cheese pasta casserole!