Creamy Chicken & Pasta Bake

Creamy Chicken & Pasta Bake

1 1/2 multigrain rotini pasta, uncooked
1 small bunch broccoli, cut into florets (about 3 cups)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup fat-free reduced sodium chicken broth
2 oz (1/4 of 8oz pkg) reduced fat cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzerella, divided (I probably use about twice this amount, we like things cheesy)
2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 375F. Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on packaage, adding broccoli for last 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat large nonstick skillet on med-high heat. Add chicken; cook 3 min, or until no longer pink, stirring frequently. Stir in broth; simmer 3 minutes or until chicken is done. Add cream cheese; cook and stir on low heat 1 min or until melted. Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella.

Drain pasta and broccoli. Add to chicken mixture; mix lightly. Spoon into 8-in square baking dish; cover.

Bake 15 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake, uncovered, 3 min or until melted. Let stand 5 minutes.

Tamara's Favorite Mac n Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is the perfect comfort food! So warm and gooey, salty with a little bite. This is my favorite and my family's favorite mac and cheese recipe. It is THE BEST! I guess you could say that makes this the perfect perfect comfort food!
I got a couple of recipes for this yummy goodness, and added a little of my own, so I guess you could say this is my recipe. At least that's what my Momma would say!

Tamara's Mac and Cheese
16 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
1/2 t. salt
1/4 c. butter (the real stuff!)
1/4 c. flour
2 c. milk (2% or whole is best)
8 oz. brick of extra sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
Melt butter with salt on medium heat. Add flour and stir until smooth. (be careful not to burn the butter). Turn to low heat and add milk. Stir constantly until boiling. After it starts to boil, stir for about one more minute, so it coats the spoon when you lift it out. Remove from heat, and add cubes of cheese. Stir until melted.
Stir macaroni noodles with the your cheese sauce and place in a 1.5 or 2 qt baking dish. Bake in 375 F for 30-35 minutes, and your done!

I like to serve this with warm yeast rolls and green beans, or a salad. Let me know if you like it!



from Tamara's blog, http://joshandtamara.blogspot.com/ I've (Amy J) made this several times and it's super yummy! I find it takes a 3qt dish if you use a whole box of macaroni, so I use less macaroni and a smaller dish, so the whole thing is even cheesier. :) Thanks Tamara!