Chicken Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, (cut into chunks (about 2 cups))
• 2 tablespoons (28ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons (10g) minced garlic
• 1 medium onion, (chopped)
• 2 teaspoons (2g) fresh thyme
• 3 tablespoons (42g) butter
• 3 tablespoons (30g) flour
• 2 cups (500ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 2 cups (200g) uncooked fusilli pasta, (cooked according to package instructions (or any pasta of choice))
• 3-4 cups (213-284g) broccoli florets
• 1 cup (132g) mozzarella  cheese, ( grated and divided)
• 1-2 teaspoons (4-8g) salt-free Cajun or Creole seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• parsley to garnish

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350℉ (180℃).

2. 2

   Season chicken cubes with salt, followed by salt-free Cajun Creole seasoning. Stir until thoroughly combined.

3. 3

   Heat oil in a large skillet, stir in the chicken, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until slightly browned.

4. 4

   Add minced garlic, stir for about a minute, followed by chopped onion and thyme, and cook until onions wilted—about 4 more minutes. Then remove and set aside.

5. 5

   Heat a 10-inch oven-safe skillet and add butter. As soon as butter melts, whisk in the flour. Continue whisking until the flour is thoroughly mixed with butter, then cook for about a minute.

6. 6

   Slowly add chicken broth, a little at a time, followed by the milk; you don't want the mixture to form lumps. Bring to a simmer, then turn the heat down to medium so it simmers gently and slightly thickens into a cream sauce (5-6 minutes)—season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. 7

   Turn off the heat, then stir in the pasta, broccoli, and about a cup of cheese, chicken mixture, and Creole seasoning. Adjust seasonings to your liking with salt and pepper, then top with the remaining cheese.

8. 8

   Bake, uncovered, at 350°F (180℃) for 15 minutes or until heated through.

9. 9

   Allow to cool slightly. Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.