Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole
This hearty Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe is made with your choice of pasta, tender chicken and broccoli, and the most delicious creamy cheddar mushroom sauce. See notes above for possible ingredient variations too.
This hearty Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe is made with your choice of pasta, tender chicken and broccoli, and the most delicious creamy cheddar mushroom sauce. See notes above for possible ingredient variations too.
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta*â (i used whole-wheat rotini
- 1 large head of broccoli*, cut into bite-sized floretsâ (a
- 1 small white onion thinly sliced
- 8 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms thinly sliced
- 2 cups diced (or shredded) cooked chicken
- Carbohydrate 11.0523258316666 g
- Cholesterol 27.5533333471338 mg
- Fat 10.1701633382746 g
- Fiber 0.295833335320155 g
- Protein 3.39721666833439 g
- Saturated Fat 6.120170669698 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 serving (168g)
- Sodium 340.009666710339 mg
- Sugar 10.7564924963464 g
- Trans Fat 0.807725667088902 g
- Calories 147 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 400°F.
- Cook pasta in a large stockpot of generously-salted boiling water until it is al dente. However, about 1 minute before the pasta is done, add the broccoli to the boiling pasta water and stir until combined. Drain both the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the butter (or oil) in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the mushrooms and garlic and sauté for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the mushrooms are cooked through.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion mixture and stir until combined. Cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add in the stock, and stir everything together until most of the clumps are gone. Add in the milk, Dijon, salt and pepper and stir until combined. Continue cooking the sauce until it reaches a simmer. Then remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until it is combined. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- In a large 9 x 13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, mushroom sauce and chicken. Toss until combined. Smooth the casserole out into an even layer.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Then remove pan from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole, and bake for 10 more minutes or until the cheese is nice and melty.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra black pepper and/or fresh herbs, if desired.
Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. But trust me, this Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a game-changer. It's hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a weeknight when you're juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and everything in between. Forget those complicated recipes that require hours of prep time – this one's a quick and satisfying solution for busy families.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking. Feel free to swap out the pasta for a gluten-free alternative, or add other vegetables like carrots or peas to boost the nutritional value. The creamy cheddar mushroom sauce is the star of the show, providing a rich and comforting element that everyone will love. And let's not forget the tender chicken – a perfect protein source to keep everyone feeling full and energized throughout the evening. The best part is the cleanup is a breeze. One pan, minimal dishes – I’m all about minimizing that part of the cooking process!
This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it's about creating a healthy and wholesome meal for your loved ones. Knowing that I'm feeding my family a nutritious and delicious dinner brings me immense satisfaction. And the leftovers? Even better the next day! This is the perfect meal prep idea. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it an even more delightful experience the following day. I often double the recipe to ensure we have plenty for lunch throughout the week.
Beyond the practical aspects, there's something truly heartwarming about gathering around the table to share a home-cooked meal. This Broccoli Chicken Casserole becomes more than just food; it becomes a symbol of family, connection, and nourishment. It's a testament to my commitment to providing my family with the best, and the simplicity of this recipe allows me to dedicate more time to what truly matters – spending quality time with my loved ones.
So, the next time you find yourself short on time but craving a delicious and healthy dinner, reach for this Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe. It's a surefire way to please everyone at the table and make weeknight dinners a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
Ingredient variations: I love experimenting with different types of pasta and vegetables. You could use different types of mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster or even portobello mushrooms. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, simply swap out the chicken for chickpeas or lentils for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
Serving suggestions: This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a perfect accompaniment. You can also add some roasted vegetables or a side of quinoa for a well-balanced meal.
Make ahead tip: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Simply bake according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed. This makes it perfect for meal prepping, as you can prepare everything on the weekend and have a healthy dinner ready to go during the week.
Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy!
