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Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe

Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

A delicious and healthy chicken broccoli pasta casserole featuring tender pasta, nutritious broccoli, and shredded chicken all baked in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner and comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 8 oz pasta
  • 12 oz broccoli (frozen cut broccoli recommended)

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock as a substitute)
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp fresh-cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (from 2 cups total)

Main Protein

  • 1 lb diced cooked chicken
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserved for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Pre-heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole later.
  2. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil the pasta in a large pot of generously salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type. Two minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli directly to the boiling water and cook together to save on dishes. Drain pasta and broccoli thoroughly.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In a sauté pan, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for 3 minutes while stirring occasionally. Then add minced garlic and cook another 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  4. Make Sauce Base: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic and stir until combined. Cook for an additional 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Add Liquids: Gradually add the chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps, cooking until the mixture becomes mostly smooth. Pour in the milk, add Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper, stirring continuously. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then remove from heat.
  6. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  7. Combine Casserole Ingredients: In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, mix the cooked pasta, broccoli, diced chicken, and cheese sauce until evenly combined and spread out evenly.
  8. Bake: Bake the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes to heat through.
  9. Add Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  10. Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving warm for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

  • Using frozen broccoli simplifies prep and is just as nutritious as fresh.
  • Feel free to substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option, adjusting cheese accordingly.
  • Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before dicing and adding to the casserole.
  • To make this gluten free, swap the flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free pasta.
  • This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken broccoli pasta casserole, healthy casserole, baked pasta dish, cheesy chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/healthy-chicken-broccoli-pasta-casserole-recipe/