Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Tasty Comfort Meal

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• to taste salt and pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, mozzarella cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture into the pasta mixture and stir until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and the remaining cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the pasta bake.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.