Description
Looking for a hearty and nutritious dish that the whole family will love? This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is just what you need! Combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce over pasta, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Not only is it easy to prepare with simple ingredients, but it also offers a wholesome meal packed with protein and vitamins. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand for a personalized touch. This dish also makes for fantastic leftovers, tasting even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 12 oz broccoli (frozen cut works well)
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1.5 cups milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp sea salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 lb diced cooked chicken
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. In the last two minutes of cooking, add broccoli. Drain both.
- In a sauté pan, melt butter or olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion until softened; add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and gradually add chicken stock, then milk and seasonings. Simmer until thickened; mix in one cup of cheese until melted.
- Combine pasta, broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce in a baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes; add remaining cheese and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Feel free to use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Swap out chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. Don’t skip letting the casserole rest before serving; this helps it hold its shape.