Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake with Bacon

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
• 2 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux.
4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and is well incorporated. Season with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, blanched broccoli florets, and cooked pasta. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.
7. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
11. Serve the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake with Bacon hot as a comforting soul food dish. It pairs well with a side of cornbread or a green salad.

Enjoy the deliciousness of this soulful Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake with Bacon!