Spiralized Broccoli and Chicken Cheesy Marinara Bake
Try this Spiralized Broccoli and Chicken Cheesy Marinara Bake recipe
Try this Spiralized Broccoli and Chicken Cheesy Marinara Bake recipe
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breast chopped into cubes
- 1 large head of broccoli stem spiralized with blade d, florets chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 1/3 upjarred marinara sauce
- parmesan cheese to garnish (optional)
- Carbohydrate 0.637668333657258 g
- Cholesterol 189.624226990818 mg
- Fat 29.9280630155284 g
- Fiber 0.034649998664856 g
- Protein 58.1183862277536 g
- Saturated Fat 8.82776420643273 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (284g)
- Sodium 303.666213322386 mg
- Sugar 0.603018334992402 g
- Trans Fat 2.53900503867969 g
- Calories 519 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Heat the oil in a medium oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once oil is shimmering, add in the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook for 7 minutes or until no longer pink on the inside and lightly browned.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Add in the broccoli and broccoli noodles, season with salt and pepper, and toss.
- Add in the chicken broth, toss, and cook for 5 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
- Add back the cooked chicken and remove from the heat and pour over the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
- Place the mixture into a small casserole dish or keep it in the skillet and top with the cheese and bake in the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
A Weeknight Winner: Spiralized Broccoli and Chicken Cheesy Marinara Bake
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and work emails, the idea of spending hours in the kitchen often feels overwhelming. But I've learned that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated, or time-consuming. This Spiralized Broccoli and Chicken Cheesy Marinara Bake is my go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when I need a meal that's both nutritious and satisfying, ready in under 30 minutes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It cleverly combines the goodness of spiralized broccoli (a fun way to add more veggies!), tender chicken, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with a layer of melted mozzarella cheese. The result is a flavorful, cheesy bake that the whole family will devour. It's a great way to sneak in extra vegetables, and the chicken provides a good source of lean protein. The spiralizer makes the broccoli fun to eat, even for picky eaters, and the whole dish is ready in a flash.
Why I love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, vegetables, and minimal added fats.
- Delicious and Flavorful: The combination of cheesy marinara and tender chicken is irresistible.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the fun spiralized broccoli and cheesy goodness.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Tips for Success:
- Use a good quality marinara sauce: The flavor of the sauce will greatly impact the overall taste of the dish.
- Don't overcook the broccoli: You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: This eliminates the need for transferring the dish to a casserole dish, saving you time and dishes.
- Garnish with fresh parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan adds a delightful salty, sharp note that perfectly complements the cheesy marinara.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the idea that healthy eating doesn't have to be a chore. It's about finding creative and efficient ways to nourish your family without sacrificing time or flavor. So next time you’re short on time but craving a delicious and healthy dinner, reach for this recipe. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. The combination of spiralized broccoli, juicy chicken, and melted cheese is pure comfort food elevated to a new level of healthy deliciousness. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate other vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms along with the broccoli.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Add Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano would add a lovely aromatic touch.
I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!
