Creamy, Cheesy Artichoke & Chicken Pasta Bake

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Cook the pasta al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan or microwave (for the microwave, use 30-second intervals). In a bowl, toss the ciabatta or focaccia chunks with the melted butter and set aside.
4. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the flour and whisk together to form a thick, smooth roux (if too thick, add more butter; if too thin, add more flour). Keep whisking over low heat until the roux takes on a light brown color and gives off a slightly nutty smell (you shouldn’t be able to smell the raw flour), about 2 to 5 minutes.
5. Then whisk in the milk and cream until it’s fully incorporated with the roux. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Turn down the heat to low and whisk in 2 1/2 cups mozzarella and the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, plus salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Stir in 2/3 cup basil, artichokes (for a tangier sauce, add some of the artichoke liquid), grilled chicken, and cooked pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen it up. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Turn off the heat on the stovetop. Stir in the spinach.
7. Butter a large casserole dish (I used a 10 x 10-inch, but you could use a slightly larger one and be just fine) and add the pasta mixture to the dish. Top with the buttered bread chunks. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella and 1/3 cup basil over top. Bake the dish until the cheese is browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes.
8. Serve hot out of the oven and don’t forget to snap a pic of that cheese pull.