Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Pasta Bake

🥘 Ingredients

• 300g penne pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2
   Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. 4
   In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
5. 5
   Add the red bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6
   In a separate saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, and flour over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
7. 7
   Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the cream sauce until melted and smooth. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
8. 8
   Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and vegetable mixture in a large baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
9. 9
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. 10
    Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy cheesy chicken and pasta bake!

📊 Nutritional Information

• Calories: 850 kcal
• Protein: 50g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fats: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg

💡 Cooking Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.