Description
This Chicken Parm Mini Meatloaf Muffins recipe features tender pasta and broccoli combined in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with seasoned panko crumbs and baked to golden perfection. It’s a delightful twist on classic comfort food, ideal for a family-friendly meal that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups medium shell pasta, cooked 2 minutes less than al dente
- 2 cups diced fresh broccoli
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Blanch Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the diced broccoli for 2 minutes. Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain well to remove excess moisture.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a pot over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Gradually whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Continue cooking while whisking constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli to the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the pasta and broccoli mixture into an 11×7 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/3 cup of seasoned panko bread crumbs on top of the mixture to create a crisp, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the dish cool slightly before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set for easier portioning and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- Blanching broccoli helps retain its bright color and crisp texture.
- Cooking pasta slightly less than al dente ensures it doesn’t overcook during baking.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bold, rich flavor.
- Seasoned panko crumbs add a crunchy topping, but plain panko can be used with added seasoning if preferred.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated just before serving.
