Any Reason Life

Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

This pasta bake with chicken and broccoli casserole is the best dinner recipe to make for the family. The flavor combinations are spectacular and I adore the big pasta noodles. If you’re looking for an easy Casserole that your family will adore and you can eat the leftovers the next day then this is the pasta bake for you. It’s the perfect combination of protein, vegetables, and carbs to keep you satisfied all night long. 

I use big paccheri noodles for my pasta bake with chicken and broccoli casserole! That’s because they’re big and tubular making them perfect for pasta bakes and casseroles. Some of my favorite brands of these type of pasta noodles include: De Cecco Paccheri, Signature Paccheri 16oz – Good & Gather™, Pastificio Gentile Paccheri Pasta di Gragnano, and Paccheri Pasta from Rustichella d’Abruzzo. These brands are available at local grocery stores and chains like Target and Walmart. 

What ingredients do you need for this pasta bake with chicken and broccoli casserole?

INGREDIENTS for the pasta bake:

• 16 oz paccheri pasta noodles (large tubular noodles)
• 3 cups fresh chopped broccoli
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. chicken thighs cut into bite size pieces
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. black garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 oz. cream cheese
• 2 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

How do you make this pasta bake with chicken and broccoli casserole?

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook pasta in salted water one minute shy of al dente according to package instructions. Last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, toss chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and cook chicken for few minutes until no longer pink on the outside.
3. Add chicken broth and let it come to a simmer. Once simmering, add cream cheese and stir until melted. It’s okay to have small speckles of cream cheese. It will incorporate when baked. Stir in 3/4 cup mozzarella until melted. The sauce will slightly thicken.
4. Turn off heat and gently fold in cooked pasta and broccoli. Transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 15 minutes.
5. Top the chicken and broccoli recipe with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for about 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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