Hay algo innegablemente reconfortante en una cazuela burbujeante con queso recién salida del horno. Esta Pasta al Horno con Pollo y Brócoli combina pollo tierno, brócoli nutritivo y pasta al dente en una rica salsa de queso que garantiza satisfacer incluso a los comensales más exigentes. Perfecto para cenas entre semana, este versátil plato se puede preparar con antelación y personalizar según tus gustos.

Ingredientes

• 300 g (10,5 oz) de pasta penne
• Sal, para el agua de la pasta y el condimento.
• 500 g (1,1 lb) de brócoli
• 400 g (14 oz) de pechuga de pollo
• 1 cucharada de aceite de oliva
• Pimienta negra recién molida
• 200 g (7 oz) de queso cheddar o gouda, rallado
• 4 cucharadas (60 g) de mantequilla, divididas
• 2 cucharadas de harina de espelta integral
• 400 ml (1⅔ tazas) de leche entera (3,5 % de grasa)
• 2 ramitas de salvia fresca
• 2 rebanadas de pan integral

Instrucciones

1. Preparación de la pasta : Pon a hervir una olla grande con agua salada. Cocina la pasta penne según las instrucciones del paquete hasta que esté al dente (normalmente de 8 a 10 minutos). Escúrrela en un colador y resérvala.
2. Blanquear el brócoli : Limpiar el brócoli y cortarlo en ramilletes pequeños. En una olla con agua hirviendo con sal, blanquear los ramilletes de brócoli durante 3 minutos. Escurrir inmediatamente y reservar. (Para mayor comodidad, se puede usar la misma agua que se usó para la pasta).
3. Cocinar el pollo : Enjuagar los filetes de pechuga de pollo con agua fría y secarlos con papel absorbente. Cortarlos en tiras o cubos pequeños. Calentar el aceite de oliva en una sartén grande a fuego alto. Agregar los trozos de pollo y saltearlos de 2 a 3 minutos hasta que estén dorados por fuera, pero aún jugosos. Sazonar con sal y pimienta. Retirar de la sartén y reservar.
4. Prepara la salsa de queso : Ralla el queso cheddar o gouda si no está rallado. En una cacerola mediana, derrite 2 cucharadas de mantequilla a fuego medio. Agrega la harina de espelta integral y revuelve constantemente durante aproximadamente 1 minuto para crear un roux. Incorpora la leche gradualmente, removiendo continuamente para evitar grumos. Lleva a ebullición suave, luego reduce el fuego y cocina a fuego lento durante 2-3 minutos hasta que la salsa espese. Retira del fuego e incorpora el queso rallado, removiendo hasta que se derrita y quede una mezcla suave. Sazona con sal y pimienta al gusto.
5. Prepara las hierbas y la cobertura : Lava las ramitas de salvia, sécalas y pica finamente las hojas. Retira la corteza de las rebanadas de pan y desmenúzalas o tritúralas. Derrite las 2 cucharadas de mantequilla restantes en una sartén pequeña a fuego medio. Agrega el pan rallado y tuéstalo hasta que esté ligeramente dorado, removiendo con frecuencia.
6. Assemble the casserole: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan ovens (gas mark 2-3). In a large casserole dish or baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, sautéed chicken, and chopped sage. Pour the cheese sauce over everything and gently toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top in an even layer.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg (varies based on salt added)

Cooking Tips and Tricks

1. Pasta perfection: Cook the pasta just shy of al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the final dish.
2. Broccoli doneness: The blanching time is intentionally short to keep the broccoli bright green and slightly crisp, as it will soften further during baking.
3. Cheese variations: For the best cheese sauce, use a combination of cheeses. Try mixing sharp cheddar with a meltable cheese like Gouda or Gruyère for complexity and optimal texture.
4. Roux technique: For a lump-free sauce, ensure your butter and flour mixture is cooked for at least a minute before adding cold milk gradually while whisking continuously.
5. Make-ahead tip: This casserole can be assembled up to the baking stage and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
6. Breadcrumb enhancement: For extra flavor in your breadcrumb topping, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or a pinch of Italian herbs to the mixture before sprinkling over the casserole.
7. Testing doneness: The casserole is ready when the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and double the broccoli, or substitute with 400g of firm tofu cubes or chickpeas for protein.
2. Gluten-free adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free bread for the topping.
3. Dairy-free possibility: Substitute the butter with olive oil, the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
4. Vegetable variations: Add or substitute other vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, peas, or spinach. For leafy greens, add them directly without blanching.
5. Protein alternatives: Turkey, shrimp, or leftover rotisserie chicken work wonderfully in this dish.
6. Whole grain boost: Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular penne for added fiber and nutrients.
7. Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce for a flavor kick.

Common FAQs

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, do not add the breadcrumb topping until ready to bake. Frozen casseroles should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if still cold.

Q: How do I know when the cheese sauce is thick enough?
A: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and when you run your finger through it, the line should remain clear. If it’s too thin, continue simmering; if too thick, add a splash more milk.

Q: What can I use instead of sage?
A: Thyme, rosemary, oregano, or tarragon all work well. Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted at one-third the amount.

Q: My casserole seems dry after baking. What went wrong?
A: The pasta may have absorbed too much sauce. Next time, make the sauce slightly thinner or use slightly less pasta. Adding ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water to the sauce can also help maintain moisture.

Q: Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
A: While not ideal for the full recipe, you can prepare the components separately and combine in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping and broil for a few minutes before serving for that crispy finish.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

1. Refrigerator storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezer storage: Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave individual portions on medium power, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
4. Make-ahead components: Cook pasta, blanch broccoli, and prepare cheese sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking.
5. Freezer meal prep: Double the recipe and freeze half in a disposable aluminum baking dish for a future meal. Label with the date, contents, and baking instructions.

Esta cremosa y reconfortante pasta al horno con pollo y brócoli es ideal tanto para cenas entre semana como para ocasiones especiales. La combinación de tierno pollo, nutritivo brócoli y cremosa salsa de queso crea una comida equilibrada en un solo plato que sin duda se convertirá en un favorito de la familia. Ya sea preparada exactamente como se describe o personalizada con tus ingredientes favoritos, ¡esta cazuela te dejará satisfecho en cada bocado!