Description

This casserole is simple to prepare and full of wonderful flavors. It will become a favorite dinner for years to come with chicken, penne pasta, broccoli and smoked mozzarella.

Ingredients

• Topping:
• ¾ c. bread crumbs or panko
• 2 T. butter, melted
• Filling:
• 1 ½ lb. broccoli, stalks removed, florets trimmed into 1-inch pieces
• 12 oz. penne pasta
• 2 T. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ½ t. dried thyme
• ¼ c. all-purpose flour
• 2 c. low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 c. heavy cream
• 1 t. salt
• ½ t. black pepper
• 1 ½ lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 3, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 oz. smoked or regular mozzarella, shredded
• 8 oz. jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped into pieces

Steps

1. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and butter; set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 9X13 inch baking dish; set aside.
3. In a large pot, bring water for the pasta to a boil; stir in 1 T. salt. Add the broccoli; cook for 1 minute, until it's bright green. Quickly remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon to a plate or bowl.