Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta casserole is the answer to busy weeknights and that craving for creamy comfort in just one pan. The best part is you do not have to fuss with boiling pasta separately or making a tricky cheese sauce, since everything bakes together for maximum flavor and minimal mess. It is homey yet easy enough for a beginner, and one spoonful always takes me back to chilly evenings when my family would crowd around the kitchen island, waiting for the bubbly casserole to come out of the oven.

I remember the first time I improvised this with just what I had in the fridge late on a Sunday night. It has since become my family's most-requested comfort food especially when everyone needs a little extra coziness.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni pasta: Holds up well to the sauce and absorbs all the flavors. Choose real durum wheat pasta for the best texture.
• Whole milk: Makes the sauce ultra creamy and rich. Go for the freshest milk you can find.
• Chicken broth: Adds a savory base that amplifies the chicken flavor
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a little bite and aroma
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the base and the pasta
• Freshly ground black pepper: Lifts the whole dish with warmth
• Italian seasoning: Layered herbs complement the broccoli and cheese
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but it adds just a touch of heat to keep it interesting
• Cooked chicken: Rotisserie or leftover roasted works perfectly and makes prep quick. Look for juicy well-seasoned meat.
• Broccoli florets: Brings tender-crisp texture and a bit of color. Use fresh and cut into bite-sized pieces for best results.
• White cheddar cheese: Freshly grated melts better and has a sharper flavor than the bagged kind
• Parmesan cheese: For an extra cheesy finish. Grate yourself for maximum flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Give your oven time to reach 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures even baking from the start and helps set the creamy sauce.

Mix the Base:

In a large 9 by 13 inch casserole dish combine the uncooked macaroni milk chicken broth minced garlic salt black pepper Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly so the pasta is evenly distributed. This step prevents any noodles from sticking and helps everything cook evenly.

Initial Bake:

Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. The pasta will start soaking up the liquid and soften slightly. This step is crucial for developing that starch thickened sauce.

Add Chicken Broccoli and Cheese:

Remove the dish carefully and lift the foil away from you to avoid steam burns. Stir the mixture well. Next add the diced chicken broccoli florets and about two cups of the grated white cheddar. Stir until everything is coated and the cheese starts to melt into the sauce.

Top and Final Bake:

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling and the broccoli is just tender.

Rest and Serve:

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken further and makes serving easier. Scoop generous portions into bowls and finish with grated parmesan and black pepper if you like.

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I love the moment when the white cheddar bubbles up and forms a golden crust. That nutty cheesy layer reminds me of childhood Sundays when my mom would always let me steal the corners first for extra crunch.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating microwave in single portions or place the whole casserole back in a 350 degree oven until heated through. If the pasta seems dry add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back the creaminess.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of chicken try cooked turkey or even ham. No white cheddar Swap for regular sharp cheddar or a mix of Monterey Jack and mozzarella for a gooier pull. Gluten free pasta works just as well but check early for doneness since cooking times can vary.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole stands alone as a complete meal but I love serving it with a crisp green salad or roasted carrots for some crunch and freshness. A big spoonful of this on a chill night always feels like a warm hug.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Chicken and broccoli with creamy cheese is a classic American casserole combo that has graced dinner tables since the boom of quick family suppers in the 1970s. It is wholesome unfussy and endlessly adaptable which is probably why generations keep passing it down.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne or fusilli can work as alternatives, but cooking times may vary. Avoid very large or tiny shapes for best results.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply replace the chicken with extra broccoli or your favorite meat substitute. Vegetable broth may be used instead of chicken broth.

→ Does the pasta need to be cooked beforehand?

No, the pasta cooks right in the casserole, absorbing the flavorful liquid during baking. There’s no need to boil it first.

→ What’s the best cheese for this casserole?

Freshly grated white cheddar melts smoothly and adds rich flavor, but any melty cheese, like mozzarella or Gruyère, works well.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Absolutely. Store in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until steaming hot for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.