Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole – This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole recipe is perfect for those who want to indulge in a hearty meal without compromising their health goals. Made with whole wheat pasta, fresh broccoli, and lean chicken, this casserole is a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. The creamy, cheesy sauce adds an extra dimension to the dish, making it irresistible. If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe to satisfy your hunger pangs, this casserole is sure to do the trick.
My husband is a big fan of casseroles, and this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole has become a staple in our household. We love how it combines all of our favorite ingredients into one delicious and nutritious dish. Whenever we have guests over, we make sure to prepare this casserole, as it always receives rave reviews. The best part is that it’s so easy to make, and the leftovers make for a perfect lunch the next day. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!
Why This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is Perfect for You?
- This casserole is made with wholesome ingredients such as whole wheat pasta, fresh broccoli, and lean chicken, making it a healthy meal option.
- The creamy, cheesy sauce is made from scratch, making it free from any harmful additives or preservatives.
- The recipe is quick and easy to prepare, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish.
- This casserole is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a comforting and satisfying meal.
- The leftovers can be stored and reheated, making it a great meal prep option for busy weekdays.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. (227 g) whole wheat pasta
- 12 oz. (340 g) frozen cut broccoli
- 2 tbsp. (28 g) butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp. (24 g) flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock (vegetable stock could also be used)
- 1 1/2 cup (360 ml) milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh-cracked black pepper
- 2 cups (227 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (8 oz)
- 1 lb. (454 g) diced cooked chicken
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until it’s al dente. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli to the pasta water and stir until combined. This will save you a dish. Drain the pasta and broccoli.
Using a sauté pan, melt the butter or oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir until combined. Cook for an additional 1 minute. Slowly add in the chicken stock and stir everything together until mostly smooth and clumps are gone. Add in the milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, and stir until fully combined. Continue to cook the sauce until it reaches a simmer.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until thoroughly melted and combined.
Using a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce. Toss until combined. Even out the ingredients in the casserole dish.
Bake the casserole uncovered for about 15 minutes. Then remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is nice and melted.
Serve the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole warm.
Notes:
- This recipe can be customized to your liking. You can use different types of pasta, add more or less broccoli, or even use a different type of cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- You can also freeze this casserole for later. Allow it to cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
In conclusion, this healthy chicken broccoli pasta casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that will satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your health goals. Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is a well-rounded meal that is easy to make and perfect for meal prep. The creamy cheese sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and broccoli, while the pasta provides a satisfying and filling base. This recipe is also customizable, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables or cheeses to make it your own. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this chicken broccoli pasta casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese that you prefer. However, using a sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice flavor to the casserole.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. Just be sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces and cook it in the pasta water for the last 2 minutes of the pasta cooking time.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you prefer. Just be sure to cook it until it’s al dente.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold when you put it in the oven.
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz. 227 g whole wheat pasta
- 12 oz. 340 g frozen cut broccoli
- 2 tbsp. 28 g butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp. 24 g flour
- 1 cup 240 ml chicken stock (vegetable stock could also be used)
- 1 1/2 cup 360 ml milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh-cracked black pepper
- 2 cups 227 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (8 oz)
- 1 lb. 454 g diced cooked chicken
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until it's al dente. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli to the pasta water and stir until combined. This will save you a dish. Drain the pasta and broccoli.
- Using a sauté pan, melt the butter or oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir until combined. Cook for an additional 1 minute. Slowly add in the chicken stock and stir everything together until mostly smooth and clumps are gone. Add in the milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, and stir until fully combined. Continue to cook the sauce until it reaches a simmer.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until thoroughly melted and combined.
- Using a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce. Toss until combined. Even out the ingredients in the casserole dish.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for about 15 minutes. Then remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is nice and melted.
- Serve the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole warm.
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