Description

Welcome to a Delicious Journey!

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, you’ve come to the right place. This Creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole is a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy pasta, all wrapped in a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a casual gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this scrumptious casserole!

Ingredients

Scale

16 ounces pasta (tortiglioni, penne, ziti, or rigatoni)
3 cups broccoli florets (about 2 small heads, cut into bite-sized pieces)
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (large, cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
⅔ cup sour cream (full fat)
½ cup whole milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup Italian cheese blend (with mozzarella, Asiago, and Parmesan)
½ cup cheddar cheese

Optional Substitutions:

For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free cream of chicken soup.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but stop cooking 1 minute earlier. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water 3 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain the pasta and broccoli, rinse with cool water, and set aside.
Sear the chicken: In a large, lightly oiled skillet, cook the chicken pieces over medium heat until they are golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Combine the ingredients: In a large pot or mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, pasta, and sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease a baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture, smooth it out, and top with half of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. For an extra touch, broil on low for a few minutes to brown the cheese.
Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, undercook it slightly during the initial boil to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
Cut the broccoli evenly: To ensure even cooking, cut the broccoli into similar-sized pieces.
Customize the cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend. Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese can add a unique twist.