Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Bowl, a decadently creamy blend of macaroni pasta, three kinds of gooey cheeses—sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan—and hearty add-ins like tender broccoli florets and diced chicken breast. Perfectly seasoned with a hint of paprika and black pepper, this dish is topped with crisp, golden panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch. Ready in just 40 minutes, this cheesy casserole-like recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Serve it straight from the oven and savor every rich, melty bite of this family-friendly crowd-pleaser! Keywords: cheesy bowl recipe, creamy mac and cheese, broccoli chicken pasta bake, comfort food dinner casseroles.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the roux is lightly golden.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Lower the heat and add the sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika, then taste and adjust as needed.
Steam the broccoli florets until tender but still slightly crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni pasta, cheese sauce, steamed broccoli, and diced chicken. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the cheesy bowl.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Bowl!
Calories |
3436 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 180.0 g | 231% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.0 g | 510% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 728 mg | 243% | |
| Sodium | 6524 mg | 284% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 222.7 g | 81% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.6 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.8 g | ||
| Protein | 234.8 g | 470% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 4014 mg | 309% | |
| Iron | 10.4 mg | 58% | |
| Potassium | 2144 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.