Step 1

Preheat oven to 425F (220C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2

In the prepared dish (or in a separate bowl), stir together cooked chicken, celery, carrots, onion, thyme, garlic, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and salt.

Step 3

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 4

Uncover; stir. At this point you should check the pasta to make sure that it is al dente (firm but just about finished cooking). If it’s still too hard, cover the dish and return to the oven until pasta is al dente. Then move on to the next step.

Step 5

Sprinkle cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 5-10 more minutes (or until cheese is melted and pasta is tender).