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Cozy Cheesy Comfort Casserole

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A warm, cheesy casserole perfect for easy family dinners, combining shredded chicken, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great for a shortcut)
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2% works best; almond milk is an option for dairy-free)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (can swap with gluten-free flour blend)
  • ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Boil 2 cups of pasta in salted water until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes without browning.
  5. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, thawed peas, and cheese sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  10. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
  12. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

If topping browns too fast but casserole isn’t heated through, tent with foil halfway through baking. Use small-curd mozzarella and sharp cheddar for best melt and flavor. Squeeze excess moisture from veggies before adding to avoid sogginess. Leftovers reheat well in oven covered with foil to keep topping crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole, chicken casserole, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/cozy-cheesy-comfort-casserole-recipe-easy-family-dinner-idea/