It has been a whirlwind past week or so with work and training and everything else that has been going on. I am glad to be back! Please forgive my absence with this fabulous recipe I've created that is comfort food to the max! Currently, it is freezing cold with ridiculously brutal winds. It makes it seem 10 times worse when the wind is kickin'! Basically, I want warm comforting food for dinner so that's just what I made. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is warm, creamy, crunchy and oh soooo cheesy. It will cure the winter weather blues in no time!
Give this recipe a try when your family is in town for Thanksgiving or just as a comforting weeknight meal. Its fairly quick, really simple and totally crowd pleasing.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
print the recipe here
2 T butter
2 T flour
2 c. skim milk
1/4 c. sour cream
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/8 t. onion powder
2 oz. cream cheese
2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese, split into two, one cup portions
5 c. broccoli florets (this was approx. 2 heads for me)
1 c. chicken broth
1 rotisserie chicken, picked and shredded (or about 3 small cooked chicken breast shredded)
1 c. elbow pasta
1 T butter, melted
~20 saltine crackers
1. Start by melting the 2T butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Let the flour flavor cook out for about 3-4 minutes. Whisking occasionally.
2. Slowly add the milk to the flour mixture while constantly whisking. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth. Let the mixture thicken over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until thickened.
3. Once the milk mixture is thickened, add the sour cream and seasonings. Continue to whisk.
4. Slowly add the chicken broth to the milk mixture while whisking.
5. Add the cream cheese and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese to the milk mixture and allow the cheese to fully melt.
6. While the cheese is melting, grease a casserole dish and place the shredded chicken, chopped broccoli florets and pasta into the dish and mix until the 3 ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the pan.
7. Once the cheese mixture is fully melted add to casserole dish. Make sure it is evenly distributed onto the chicken and broccoli mix.
8. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
9. Place saltine crackers in a Ziploc bag and crush into small pieces.
11. Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes until the crackers are browned and the edges are bubbly.
12. Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Wherever you are and whatever you're doing please have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! Enjoy the time with your families and friends and eat some delicious food!
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