Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Serves 10
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Directions

  1. 1Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces for even cooking.
  2. 2Coat chicken with avocado oil, a generous amount of Kimmy's seasoning, all purpose seasoning, and smoked paprika.
  3. 3Rub seasonings evenly into the chicken.
  4. 4Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. 5Sear chicken breasts on each side for a few minutes until nice and brown.
  6. 6Flip chicken and baste with a couple tablespoons of butter.
  7. 7After about 6 minutes total, remove chicken from the skillet and place on a sheet tray.
  8. 8If chicken has not reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit, finish cooking in the oven.
  9. 9In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of butter, onions, and garlic, then sauté.
  10. 10Add all purpose flour to the skillet to create a roux, mixing to cook out the flour.
  11. 11Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth.
  12. 12Add heavy cream to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low, then to low for the cream sauce.
  13. 13Add mozzarella, pepper Jack, and Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce.
  14. 14Boil heavily salted water and add rigatoni pasta, cooking until just slightly before al dente.
  15. 15Add spinach to the cream sauce.
  16. 16Add more seasoning to the cream sauce.
  17. 17Add the cooked pasta to the cream sauce.
  18. 18Add cooked broccoli to the cream sauce.
  19. 19Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the pasta mixture.
  20. 20Mix everything well to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
  21. 21Add more cheese to the mixture if desired for a better cheese pull.
  22. 22Prepare a baking dish (no oil needed) and transfer the pasta mixture into it.
  23. 23Slice the remaining chicken breast at an angle and place on top of the pasta.
  24. 24Coat with more mozzarella cheese.
  25. 25Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until melted and golden brown, approximately 15 to 20 minutes (checking periodically as oven times vary).
  26. 26Once done, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Ingredients

  • chicken breasts sliced in half
  • avocado oil
  • Kimmy's seasoning
  • all purpose seasoning
  • smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • onions
  • garlic
  • all purpose flour
  • chicken broth
  • heavy cream
  • mozzarella cheese
  • pepper Jack cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • rigatoni pasta
  • salt
  • spinach
  • broccoli cooked down

Equipment

large skilletsheet trayovenbaking dish

Tips

  • Make sure chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Season to your liking.