ADVERTISEMENT
—
#### **Instructions**:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Set your oven to **375°F (190°C)** and grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
2. **Cook the Pasta**: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
3. **Prepare the Chicken**: Heat **2 tablespoons of olive oil** in a skillet over medium heat. Add the **diced chicken** and season with a pinch of **salt** and **pepper**. Cook for about **5-7 minutes**, until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. **Make the Cream Sauce**: In the same skillet, add the **minced garlic** and sauté for **1 minute** until fragrant. Pour in the **heavy cream**, stirring constantly to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the **Dijon mustard**, **dried basil**, and **Parmesan cheese**, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce. Season with more **salt** and **pepper** to taste.
5. **Combine the Ingredients**: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, **chicken**, and **steamed broccoli**. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and stir everything together until evenly coated.
6. **Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs**: Sprinkle the **shredded mozzarella** over the top of the pasta bake, and if you like a crispy finish, top with **breadcrumbs**. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
7. **Bake**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about **20 minutes**, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. **Serve and Enjoy**: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Dish out generous portions of this creamy, comforting pasta bake, and enjoy the flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
—
## **Serving Suggestions**
This **creamy chicken and broccoli pasta bake** pairs beautifully with:
– **Garlic bread** for a delightful crunch.
– A **simple green salad** to balance out the richness of the dish.
– **Steamed vegetables** like carrots or green beans for extra nutrition.
—
## **Why This Recipe is the Ultimate Comfort Food**
**Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake** has all the hallmarks of a dish that makes you want to eat it forever. The **creamy sauce** is decadent without being heavy, and the **chicken** adds a savory, protein-packed element that makes this dish feel like a full meal. The **broccoli** gives it a pop of color and a subtle earthiness that complements the richness of the cheese and cream. Add in the **crunchy breadcrumbs** on top, and you’ve got a perfect balance of textures that will keep you reaching for seconds.
Plus, this recipe is easy to customize. Want to make it spicy? Add some red pepper flakes. Looking for a different protein? Try swapping the chicken for **ground turkey** or **shredded beef**. The possibilities are endless!
—
## **Conclusion: A Dish Worth Savoring**
At the end of the day, comfort food is all about the feelings it evokes—the warmth, the satisfaction, the “I could eat this forever” feeling. This **creamy chicken and broccoli pasta bake** embodies all of that and more. It’s a dish that’s simple enough to make any day of the week, yet delicious enough to feel like a special occasion.
So go ahead—gather the ingredients, prepare your favorite side, and get ready for a meal that will make you say, “Man, I could eat this forever!”
ADVERTISEMENT
