Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole

Are you in search of a hearty and satisfying family meal that will bring everyone to the table? Look no further than our mouthwatering Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole! This delightful dish combines tender chunks of seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy embrace.

The cooking time for your Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole is approximately 30 minutes in the oven. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Bake Covered:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This covered period allows the ingredients to cook and meld together.
2. Bake Uncovered:
   • After the initial 20 minutes, remove the foil to expose the top of the casserole.
   • Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

This two-step baking process ensures that the casserole cooks through while allowing the cheese on top to become wonderfully melted and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it during the uncovered stage to prevent excessive browning or burning, and adjust the time as needed based on your oven’s characteristics.

Why You’ll Love It:

1. Irresistible Cheesy Goodness:
   • A luscious blend of Velveeta and Colby Jack cheeses creates a rich and gooey texture that’s downright irresistible.
2. Versatile and Customizable:
   • Tailor the recipe to your liking with the flexibility to add your favorite vegetables, spice levels, or even swap out the protein to suit your family’s preferences.
3. Convenient Make-Ahead Option:
   • Plan ahead and make your life easier by preparing this casserole in advance. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
4. Comforting and Crowd-Pleasing:
   • With the comforting flavors of classic chicken and broccoli complemented by the cheesy goodness, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
• 1 can condensed chicken soup
• 1 can milk (use the empty soup can for measurement)
• 1 bag frozen broccoli
• 1 lb large pasta shells, cooked according to package instructions
• Small block of Velveeta cheese, cubed
• Shredded Colby Jack cheese
• Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked and then cube them.
3. Cook Pasta:
   • Cook the large pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Prepare Broccoli:
   • Cook the frozen broccoli according to the package instructions. Drain any excess water.
5. Prepare Cheese Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed chicken soup, milk, cubed Velveeta cheese, and shredded Colby Jack cheese. Mix well until the cheese starts to melt into the mixture. Season with additional garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the cooked and cubed chicken, cooked pasta, and cooked broccoli to the cheese mixture. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
7. Assemble in Baking Dish:
   • Transfer the mixture to a preferred baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Top with Cheese:
   • Sprinkle additional shredded Colby Jack cheese on top.
9. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Serve:
    • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole!

Tips:

1. Add Vegetables:
   • Customize the casserole by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
2. Spice it Up:
   • If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
3. Crunchy Topping:
   • For added texture, top the casserole with a crunchy topping. Crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even French fried onions work well.
4. Fresh Herbs:
   • Add a handful of fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.
5. Prep Ahead:
   • Prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal.

Variations:

1. Alfredo Twist:
   • Instead of condensed chicken soup, use Alfredo sauce for a creamy and indulgent twist.
2. Different Cheese:
   • Experiment with different cheeses for the topping. Mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack can add their unique flavors.
3. Protein Swap:
   • Substitute chicken with cooked ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even cooked sausage.
4. Whole Grain Pasta:
   • Use whole grain or multigrain pasta for a healthier version of the casserole.
5. Gluten-Free Option:
   • Choose gluten-free pasta if you or your family members have dietary restrictions.
6. Broil for Crispy Top:
   • After baking, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes to achieve a crispy and golden top.

How to store it :

Storing your Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole properly will help maintain its freshness and flavors. Here’s a guide on how to store it:

1. Refrigeration:
   • If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
   • Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
2. Labeling:
   • Consider labeling the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
3. Refrigerator Shelf Life:
   • The casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Beyond that, the quality may start to decline.
4. Freezing (Optional):
   • If you want to extend the storage time, you can freeze the casserole.
   • Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
   • Label the container with the date and any reheating instructions.
5. Freezer Shelf Life:
   • The casserole can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

1. From Refrigerator:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying.
   • Heat for approximately 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
2. From Freezer:
   • Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight.
   • Follow the reheating instructions for leftovers from the refrigerator.
3. Microwave (for smaller portions):
   • If reheating individual portions, use the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals until heated to your liking.

Remember to check the internal temperature to ensure that it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to guarantee that it’s safe to eat.