When you’re looking for a dish that combines heartiness with flavor-packed goodness, look no further than a simple yet delicious baked casserole recipe. This versatile dish is perfect for all occasions, from family dinners to cozy gatherings, and is bound to be a favorite among food enthusiasts. Finding the right balance of ingredients in this recipe conjures up memories of comfort and warmth, making it an enduring classic in households worldwide.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken breast, diced	500 grams
Broccoli florets	2 cups
Mushrooms, sliced	200 grams
Cheddar cheese, shredded	1 cup
Cream of mushroom soup	1 can (10 oz)
Milk	1 cup
Onion, finely chopped	1 medium
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper	To taste
Cooked pasta (like penne or fusilli)	300 grams
Bread crumbs	1/2 cup

Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by ensuring that all your ingredients are prepared. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Rinse and cut the broccoli into florets. Slice the mushrooms thinly, and finely chop the onion and garlic. For cooking enthusiasts who haven’t tried a casserole before, it might be helpful to have the right baking utensils. Consider investing in high-quality baking utensils to enhance your cooking experience.

Cooking the Base

Using a heavy-duty skillet, such as the ones you can find here, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and saut until they are fragrant and soft, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Toss in the diced chicken and cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. Add the mushrooms and broccoli to the skillet and continue tossing them around until the vegetables are slightly tender. Now pour in the cream of mushroom soup, along with the milk, and mix well to create a creamy sauce. Stir in the cooked pasta ensuring every piece is coated in the lovely sauce.

Assembling the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease a casserole dish with cooking spray or unsalted butter for added flavor. Spoon the chicken and pasta mixture into the dish, ensuring it’s spread evenly. Cover the surface with shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkling it to your heart’s content. Finally, evenly distribute the breadcrumbs on top, providing that much-needed crunch to the casserole.

Baking to Perfection

Place the assembled casserole into the preheated oven and allow it to bake uncovered for about 2530 minutes. During this time, the cheese will bubble and melt, forming a delightful golden crust with the breadcrumbs on top. You may use a boiler in the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve an even crispier finish.

Serving Suggestions

Once the casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite a burst of savory delight. Casseroles, like this one, are perfect on their own or can be paired with a simple side salad. For some deliciously creative casseroles, take a look at this greek casserole recipe.

Care and Cleanup

After enjoying this sumptuous meal, maintaining your cookware’s longevity is essential. A good cookware care kit can help keep your casserole dish in pristine condition, ensuring your tools are always ready for the next culinary adventure.

Conclusion

A baked casserole recipe provides a delightful concoction that marries a variety of flavors and textures. Its an epitome of comfort food, offering culinary enthusiasts a chance to delve into an endlessly customizable dish that appeals to a broad range of tastes. From choosing the perfect combination of ingredients to the joy of gathering family and friends around for a shared meal, this versatile dish is indeed a gift that keeps on giving. For more inspiring casserole ideas, you might want to explore this dinner casserole recipe that spices things up with unique, comforting flavors.

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