Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole

🥘 Ingredients

• black pepper
  1 tsp
• broccoli florets
  2 c
• butter
  3 tbsp
• cavatappi pasta
  8 oz
• cheddar cheese
  1 c
• chicken breasts
  10 oz
• cream cheese
  4 oz
• flour
  ¼ cup
• milk
  1 c
• mozzarella cheese
  1 c
• olive oil
  2 tbsp
• panko breadcrumbs
  ¼ cup
• ranch spice
  1 tbsp
• salt
  1 tsp

🍳 Cookware

• large pan

1. 

   1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adjust broiler rack to position closest to heat source and heat broiler to high. Add cavatappi pasta to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just al dente ⏱️ 8 minutes . Drain and set aside.

   cavatappi pasta: 8 oz
2. 

   2

   Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towel. Season generously with salt and black pepper . Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink in center, ⏱️ 5 minutes to ⏱️ 6 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.

   chicken breasts: 10 oz, salt: 1 tsp, black pepper: 1 tsp, olive oil: 2 tbsp
3. 

   3

   Wash and dry all produce. Place broccoli florets and 1 tbsp water in a medium, microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and poke a few holes in wrap. Microwave on high until tender, ⏱️ 3 minutes .

   broccoli florets: 2 c
4. 

   4

   Melt 2 tbsp butter in pan used for chicken over medium-high heat. Add flour and ranch spice . Stir constantly until pasty and fragrant, ⏱️ 30 seconds to ⏱️ 1 minute . Slowly whisk in milk , scraping up any browned bits on bottom. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Let bubble until sauce thickens slightly, ⏱️ 3 minutes . Remove pan from heat.

   butter: 3 tbsp, flour: ¼ cup, ranch spice: 1 tbsp, milk: 1 c
5. 

   5

   Add cream cheese , cheddar cheese , and ½ cup mozzarella cheese to pan and whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Thinly slice cooked chicken. Drain broccoli. Stir chicken, broccoli, and cavatappi into pan. Season with salt and pepper. If your pan is not ovenproof, transfer mixture to a baking dish. Place remaining 1 tbsp butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until melted, ⏱️ 45 seconds .

   cream cheese: 4 oz, cheddar cheese: 1 c, mozzarella cheese: 1 c
6. 

   6

   Add ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs and remaining mozzarella to bowl with melted butter. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper. Scatter over pasta in pan or dish. Place under broiler and broil until cheese melts and panko is golden brown, ⏱️ 3 minutes . Divide between plates and serve.

   panko breadcrumbs: ¼ cup