Creamy, cheesy, comforting—all in one pan!
🧂 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your fave)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella or parmesan cheese (optional mix-in)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
🔪 Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to make a roux; cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk; cook until thickened (5–6 minutes).
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese until smooth and melted.
3. Assemble the Bake
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce.
- Mix well and pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with extra cheese and optional breadcrumbs for crunch.
4. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
5. Serve
- Let sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
🍴 Tips & Variations:
- Make it creamy: Add a scoop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Add spice: Stir in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Protein swap: Use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even cooked sausage.
- Make ahead: Assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake when ready to eat!
