Baked Penne With Broccoli And Smoked Mozzarella

Name: Baked Penne With Broccoli And Smoked Mozzarella
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs broccoli florets; 12 ounces penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped; 6 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 1/3 cups Ritz crackers, crushed (or 1 sleeve); 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Servings: persons

1 1/2 lbs broccoli florets
12 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
6 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 1/3 cups Ritz crackers, crushed (or 1 sleeve)
1 tablespoon butter, melted

1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2
Cook pasta according to package directions.
3
During last 2 minutes, add broccoli to pot and blanch while pasta finishes cooking.
4
Drain all and set aside.
5
Wipe pot dry and add olive oil. Saute onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for a minute or so until fragrant.
6
Stir in flour to make a roux.
7
Slowly add chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps, and cook until thick.
8
Add cream and bring to simmer to thicken.
9
Add chicken and mozzarella and stir until cheese melts.
10
Add pasta and broccoli, then stir to combine.
11
Transfer to 9x13 baking dish.
12
Toss crushed crackers with melted butter.
13
Top casserole with cracker crumbs.
14
Bake about 20 minutes, until browned and bubbly.
15
To freeze: assemble casserole but do NOT top with cracker crumbs. Wrap for freezing, label, then tape cracker crumbs (in a plastic bag) to the outside of the package. Freeze. When ready to bake, thaw, top with crumbs, and bake at 400 for approximately 30 minutes.

1444

kcal

Calories

Fat

135

Carbs

114

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 lbs broccoli florets, 12 ounces penne pasta, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion, diced, and more.

Yes, Baked Penne With Broccoli And Smoked Mozzarella falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!