Pastel de pollo Alfredo al horno

Ingredientes

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 large chicken breast (or 2 cups cooked/diced chicken)
• salt/pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ lb. medium pasta shells (can sub any kind of pasta)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 7 Tablespoons salted butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3.5 cups half and half
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Romano cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Ritz crackers (crushed)

Preparación

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350° F.

2. 2

   --- Cook the Chicken ---

3. 3

   Butterfly the chicken breast and cut the seam to create two thinner slices. Pat dry and season each side salt/pepper.

4. 4

   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on each side, decrease heat if oil gets too hot. Each side will need 4-5 minutes.

5. 5

   Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes prior to dicing into bite-size pieces.

6. 6

   --- Boil the Pasta ---

7. 7

   Add 1/2 tbsp. of salt to 4-6 quarts of boiling water. Cook the pasta no more than the al dente point, (8 minutes for medium pasta shells), refer to box for specific time.

8. 8

   Add the broccoli during the last 4 minutes of boiling. Drain.

9. 9

   --- Prepare the Sauce ---

10. 10

    Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and heat for 1 minute.

11. 11

    Whisk in the flour, heat for 1 minute.

12. 12

    Gradually add the half and half. Allow it to come to a gentle bubble.

13. 13

    Decrease heat to low and stir for 1-2 minutes.

14. 14

    Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan and Romano cheese, whisking continuously until well combined. Turn off heat.

15. 15

    --- Assemble the Casserole ---

16. 16

    Add the pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Stir in the chicken and steamed broccoli.

17. 17

    Add to a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

18. 18

    --- Bake ---

19. 19

    Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

20. 20

    If desired, top with crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs), and bake for 5 more minutes.

21. 21

    PRO TIP: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes prior to serving. This allows the pasta to absorb the sauce and gives the piping hot casserole time to cool slightly prior to serving.