Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Spaghetti Casserole: Pure Comfort!
Broccoli cheddar casserole: bake this creamy, cheesy spaghetti bake. Master a satisfying family dinner in under an hour with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry spaghetti
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk cottage cheese
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. If you don't have a deep dish oven-safe skillet, butter a large casserole dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Boil the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli. Drain, add the pasta and broccoli back into the pot.
- Add the cream cheese, mixing it into the pasta and allowing it to melt. Now add cottage cheese, milk, eggs, parsley, and parmesan. Mix it all together until creamy.
- Meanwhile, in a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter with the chicken, onion, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and the butter is toasted, 5-8 minutes.
- Mix the pasta, broccoli, and cream sauce into the chicken. Only a gentle mix is needed! Top with both cheeses. Bake 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Serve warm with additional thyme and fresh basil.
Notes
- For best results, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps in the sauce. I once tried to rush it and ended up with tiny cheese bits, which still tasted good but wasn't as smooth.
- To achieve a golden-brown top, you can finish the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This also enhances the cheese pull factor.
- This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- To achieve a golden-brown top, you can finish the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This also enhances the cheese pull factor.
- This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.