Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken Pasta Divan, a hearty casserole that brings together tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and vibrant broccoli, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Featuring a velvety homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish is perfectly balanced with the crisp crunch of a golden breadcrumb topping. Ready in just an hour, this family-friendly recipe is as satisfying as it is simple, making it the perfect choice for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Serve this baked chicken pasta casserole piping hot for a dish thatβs irresistibly rich, flavorful, and sure to become a regular on your dinner table.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Steam the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Set aside.
While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese, 0.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and diced chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over and mix until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cups of Cheddar cheese and 0.5 cups of Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Allow the Chicken Pasta Divan to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Calories |
4038 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 192.0 g | 246% | |
| Saturated Fat | 106.8 g | 534% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 729 mg | 243% | |
| Sodium | 8702 mg | 378% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 351.1 g | 128% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.7 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.0 g | ||
| Protein | 250.4 g | 501% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.7 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 3574 mg | 275% | |
| Iron | 22.8 mg | 127% | |
| Potassium | 2680 mg | 57% | |
*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.