Baked Penne with Chicken, Broccoli and Smoked Mozzarella
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
Directions
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In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and butter; set aside.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 9X13 inch baking dish; set aside.
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.
Return the water to a boil; add the pasta; cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain the pasta; toss with 1 T. olive oil.
Wipe the pot dry. Add the remaining 1 T. oil; return to medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion; cook until softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and thyme; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Add the flour, salt and black pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the broth and cream; bring to a simmer, whisking often. Add the chicken; cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella.
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce; stir to combine.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle on the bread crumb topping.
Bake until the casserole is bubbling and the crumbs are lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes.
Serve immediately.
8 servings.