🥦🍗 Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake – Comfort Food at Its Best! 🍽️

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknights! Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and crisp broccoli are baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, creating a meal that everyone will love. Super easy to make and packed with flavor!

---

🥄 Ingredients – Simple & Delicious!

For the Pasta Bake:

🍝 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work great)
🍗 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken makes it even easier!)
🥦 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for a sharper taste)
🧄 2 cloves garlic (minced)
🧅 ½ cup diced onion
🌿 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
🧂 Salt & black pepper to taste

---

For the Creamy Sauce:

🧈 2 tablespoons butter
🌾 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
🥛 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk for extra creaminess)
🍶 ½ cup heavy cream (optional, but makes it extra rich)
🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🌶️ ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick!)

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Broccoli

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven).
2️⃣ In the last 2 minutes of boiling, add the chopped broccoli. Drain and set aside.