Creating Chicken Pasta Casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps to bring this delicious dish to life:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil water and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred or cube the chicken. This can be done in advance or with leftover chicken.
4. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli (if using), cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are coated.
8. Add Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

By following these steps, you’ll create an incredible Chicken Pasta Casserole that’s sure to impress!