Smoky Chicken & Broccoli Au Gratin
Ingredients:
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes- 1 hour
Serves: 6 | Est. Calories per serving: 597
Ingredients:
Pasta
- 5c. Kaslo Sourdough Classic Radiatori (or any preferred short shape)
- 2c. Milk (*sub any preferred plant-based milk)
- 1c. Grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2c. Grated mild/medium cheddar cheese
- 1/2c. Butter, melted
- 2c. Broccoli (fresh or frozen)
- 1c. Peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1tbsp. Ranch seasoning
Chicken
- 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1tbsp. Butter
- 2tsp. Smoked paprika
- 1tsp. Parsley
- S&P, to taste
Au Gratin Topping
- 1c. Breadcrumbs
- 1/4c. Grated parmesan
- 2tsp. Smoked paprika
- 1tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2tsp. Sea salt
- 1tsp. Black pepper
Instructions:
- Bring a small pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to package instructions (about 5-7 minutes). Drain well, and without rinsing, pour into a glass or ceramic oven-safe dish.
- Gently pound room temperature chicken breasts with a meat tenderizer for about 2 minutes. Generously coat in salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley.Melt butter in a skillet and add chicken. Pan fry, covered, over medium heat, about 12 minutes, turning once. Chicken is ready when outsides are browned, and internal temperature reaches 165° using a meat thermometer.Remove from skillet and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing into bite-sized chunks. (It is okay if there is slight pink remaining, as it will continue to cook in the oven).
- Steam broccoli in a basket steamer or steamer pot for 10 minutes, until just softened enough to pierce with a fork. Add to the baking dish, along with peas (fresh or frozen). *You may sub green beans or steamed carrots.
- Stir the chicken, mild cheddar cheese, and melted butter into the pasta and vegetables. Whisk ranch seasoning into milk and pour evenly over the casserole. Top with sharp cheddar cheese.
- Combine all au gratin ingredients and mix well. Distribute over cheddar cheese layer. Bake at 350° for 30-45 minutes, until topping is golden brown, and pasta is heated through. Allow to cool 5-10 minutes (if you can!) before serving.
This crispy, cheesy, savoury chicken and veggie dish is sure to become a comfort meal favourite on your table!
