Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake

 

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup milk
½ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
¼ cup parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for crispy topping)
👩‍🍳 Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minute until smooth.
Slowly add milk, whisking continuously until thickened.
Add cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Assemble the Bake:
In a large bowl, mix together chicken, broccoli, and pasta.
Pour the cheese sauce over and mix until evenly coated.
Transfer to a baking dish.
Top It Off:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese, parmesan, and breadcrumbs on top.
Optionally, dust with a little paprika for color.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy comfort dish!