Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for crispy topping)

 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minute until smooth.
   • Slowly add milk, whisking continuously until thickened.
   • Add cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
3. Assemble the Bake:
   • In a large bowl, mix together chicken, broccoli, and pasta.
   • Pour the cheese sauce over and mix until evenly coated.
   • Transfer to a baking dish.
4. Top It Off:
   • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese, parmesan, and breadcrumbs on top.
   • Optionally, dust with a little paprika for color.
5. Bake:
   Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy comfort dish