Cheesy Back To School Casserole

The foundation of any great casserole lies in its ingredients. In this section, we'll explore the various components that make up the Cheesy Back To School Casserole, highlighting their individual contributions to both flavor and nutrition.

Prepare for a smooth transition into the back-to-school season with the Cheesy Back To School Casserole. This nutritious and hearty meal offers a delightful mix of rotini pasta, shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli, sweet corn, and creamy cheeses, all baked to perfection. It's quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights, providing essential nutrients to keep your family energized. Enjoy satisfying flavors and wholesome ingredients in this family-friendly dish, making dinnertime a breeze!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) rotini pasta

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or canned chicken)

1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 cup sweet corn (canned or frozen)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup

1 cup milk

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, corn, cherry tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Mix the casserole: Add the drained rotini pasta to the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until everything is evenly coated.

Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.

Bake it: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent over-browning) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, let cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This casserole can be served warm, and it's great for leftovers!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 45 minutes | 6-8 servings