Notes
Ingredients (With Measurements)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 1 ½ lbs broccoli, florets cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 6 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 oz smoked mozzarella, shredded
- 8 oz jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ¾ cup bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with melted butter and set aside.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the oven rack is in the center.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tbsp salt and the broccoli. Cook for 1 minute until bright green, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Return the water to a boil and cook the penne 1–2 minutes less than al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, and set aside.
- Wipe the pot dry and heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly for 1 minute until golden.
- Gradually whisk in the broth and cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and smoked mozzarella until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce, stirring to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the breadcrumb topping.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are lightly golden.
- Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 653mg | Potassium: 568mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1384IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mgPinterest