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Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pasta bake cooks evenly and achieves that delightful golden crust.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Warm up your weeknights with the Comforting Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake, a dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. This deliciously creamy pasta bake combines penne, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a rich sauce topped with cheese. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite veggies or leftovers. Gather your family around the table and enjoy this comforting meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups penne pasta

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (or diced)

3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Blanch the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, add the florets to the pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cooking to blanch them. Drain and set aside along with the pasta.

        Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, and creamy sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.

            Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture and fold gently to combine.

              Top the Bake: Spread the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for an extra crunchy top.

                Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                  Serve: Allow the pasta bake to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 6-8