Cheesy Delight: Irresistible Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole – Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole. This delightful dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. What sets this recipe apart is its commitment to health without compromising on flavor. With a balance of wholesome ingredients, it’s a guilt-free option that doesn’t skimp on taste. Prepare to be amazed by this mouthwatering casserole that will have your taste buds begging for more!

Picture this: It’s a cozy evening at home, and the aroma of a delectable casserole fills the air. My husband and I gather around the table, eagerly awaiting the first bite of our beloved Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole. It all started when we were searching for a family-friendly recipe that would satisfy our cravings while still being nutritious. After a few trials and tweaks, we finally perfected this dish, and it quickly became a household favorite. Now, it’s a tradition that brings us joy and togetherness, reminding us of the simple pleasures in life.

Why This Cheesy Creation Delights All?

• Wholesome Ingredients: Our recipe features nutritious elements like lean chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and whole wheat pasta. It’s a balanced meal that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
• Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The velvety sauce, made with a blend of chicken stock, milk, Dijon mustard, and cheddar cheese, coats every ingredient with a rich, indulgent flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
• Quick and Easy: With straightforward instructions and minimal prep time, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of cheese to suit your taste. It’s a versatile dish that welcomes your creative touch.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. (225g) pasta
• 12 oz. (340g) broccoli – I prefer using frozen cut broccoli for convenience.
• 2 tbsp. butter or olive oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp. flour
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken stock (vegetable stock can be substituted)
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp fresh-cracked black pepper
• 2 cups (225g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (8 oz.)
• 1 lb. (450g) diced cooked chicken

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large pot of generously salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli to the pot and stir to combine. This convenient step saves you an extra dish. Drain the pasta and broccoli.

In a sauté pan, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring until well combined. Cook for an additional 1 minute.

Slowly pour in the stock, stirring everything together until the mixture becomes mostly smooth and clumps are dissolved. Add the milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, stirring until fully combined.

Continue cooking the sauce until it reaches a simmer. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 1 cup (112g) of the shredded cheese until it melts and blends seamlessly.

In a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Spread the ingredients evenly in the casserole dish.

Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve the casserole warm, savoring each cheesy bite.

Notes:

• For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit the diced chicken. You can add extra veggies or substitute with tofu or your preferred protein alternative.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. Gruyere, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can be delicious alternatives or combinations.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of milk or stock if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

Indulge in the irresistible comfort and wholesome goodness of our Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole. With its creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping tender chicken, nutrient-packed broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this casserole delivers on both taste and nutrition.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to bring people together. From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to a world of homemade goodness and heartwarming memories. Imagine the joy of sharing this comforting dish with your loved ones, as laughter fills the air and taste buds dance with delight.

The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations and personal touches. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, experimenting with different cheeses, or even making it vegetarian-friendly. The possibilities are as boundless as your culinary imagination.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a memorable dining experience with our Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole. Embrace the love and warmth that this dish brings to your table, and savor every delectable spoonful. Trust us, once you try it, this recipe will become a cherished staple in your household, just like it has in ours.

Enjoy the comforting embrace of this cheesy delight, and let it nourish your body and soul. Cheers to good food, good company, and the simple pleasures that make life truly delicious!

FAQ

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works well too. Simply blanch it briefly in boiling water before combining it with the pasta.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly as the ingredients will be cold.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

While the casserole can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture may slightly change upon reheating. For best results, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Of course! Feel free to substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free alternative. Follow the cooking instructions on the package and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole

Sacrlett

This delightful dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. What sets this recipe apart is its commitment to health without compromising on flavor. With a balance of wholesome ingredients, it's a guilt-free option that doesn't skimp on taste.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz. 225g pasta
• 12 oz. 340g broccoli - I prefer using frozen cut broccoli for convenience.
• 2 tbsp. butter or olive oil
• 1 small onion thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tbsp. flour
• 1 cup 240ml chicken stock (vegetable stock can be substituted)
• 1 1/2 cups 360ml milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp fresh-cracked black pepper
• 2 cups 225g shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (8 oz.)
• 1 lb. 450g diced cooked chicken

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large pot of generously salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli to the pot and stir to combine. This convenient step saves you an extra dish. Drain the pasta and broccoli.
• In a sauté pan, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
• Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring until well combined. Cook for an additional 1 minute.
• Slowly pour in the stock, stirring everything together until the mixture becomes mostly smooth and clumps are dissolved. Add the milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, stirring until fully combined.
• Continue cooking the sauce until it reaches a simmer. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 1 cup (112g) of the shredded cheese until it melts and blends seamlessly.
• In a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Spread the ingredients evenly in the casserole dish.
• Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve the casserole warm, savoring each cheesy bite.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit the diced chicken. You can add extra veggies or substitute with tofu or your preferred protein alternative.

Experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. Gruyere, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can be delicious alternatives or combinations.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of milk or stock if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

Keyword Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole