Description
Indulge in this comforting yet healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole, a delicious blend of whole wheat pasta, tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. Baked to perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 8 ounces whole wheat or high-protein pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta and broccoli: Cook pasta until al dente. Steam broccoli for 2–3 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add seasonings, then whisk in milk and cornstarch. Stir in Greek yogurt.
- Combine ingredients: Mix pasta, chicken, broccoli, and sauce with cheeses. Pour into baking dish.
- Bake: Top with breadcrumbs if desired and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added fiber and nutrients, stir in spinach or peas.
- Consider using rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- To make it gluten-free, use GF pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
