Baked Penne with Chicken, Broccoli and Smoked Mozzarella

Baked Penne with Chicken, Broccoli and Smoked Mozzarella
(Mels Kitchen Cafe)
*Note: See the asterisk below the recipe for make-ahead directions.
*Serves 6-8
Topping:3/4 cup bread crumbs (store-bought or make your own)2 tablespoons butter, melted
Filling:1 bunch broccoli (about 1 ½ pounds), stalks cut off, florets trimmed into 1-inch pieces12 ounces penne pasta2 tablespoons olive oil1 medium onion, minced6 medium garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed through a garlic press1 teaspoon dried thyme¼ cup all-purpose flour2 cups low-sodium chicken broth1 cup heavy cream1 teaspoon salt½ teaspoon pepper1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3), trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces3 ounces smoked mozzarella, shredded8 ounce jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped into pieces
In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and butter and set aside. Lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and make sure the oven rack is placed in the middle of the oven. In a large pot, bring the water for the pasta to a boil. Stir in one tablespoon salt and the broccoli. The broccoli cooks quickly so stay close! Cook the broccoli for 1 minute, until it is bright green. Quickly remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon to a plate. Return the water to a boil and add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than how you would eat it normally (it will cook a bit more in the oven while baking). Drain the pasta in a colander and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Leave it in the colander and set it aside.
Wipe the pot dry. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and return to medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook until softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and thyme; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the broth and cream; bring to a simmer, whisking often. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and smoked mozzarella.
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce; stir to combine. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the bread crumb topping. Bake until the casserole is bubbling and the crumbs are lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately.
*The casserole can be prepared in advance with the following steps: after the broccoli is removed from the boiling water, plunge it into a bowl of ice water and cool completely. Assemble the casserole following the directions in the recipe. After the casserole is spread in the prepared baking pan, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before covering with plastic wrap and refrigerating for up to 8 hours. To bake, preheat the oven to 375 and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.