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Introduction:
Looking for a quick, hearty, and delicious meal that the whole family will love? This creamy chicken, broccoli, and pasta casserole is a perfect choice. It’s packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy pasta, all baked together into a comforting dish that's both nutritious and indulgent. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for a gathering, this casserole hits all the right notes. The best part? It's easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your family’s tastes!
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use homemade if preferred)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk (whole or skim)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still bright green. Remove from the heat.
Prepare the casserole mix: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked chicken, pasta, and sautéed broccoli. Mix until everything is well coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan.
If desired, add breadcrumbs on top for a crispy golden finish. You can also drizzle a little melted butter over the breadcrumbs to help them crisp up.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Serve this casserole with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or even for meal prepping.
Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave it until heated through.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2-3 months. To do so, assemble the casserole but skip the baking step. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Variations:
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