Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to weeknight dinner: the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe! This wholesome casserole layers tender chicken, hearty whole wheat pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s light on calories but rich in comfort. Everything bubbles together under a golden crust for a dish that feels indulgent but is actually balanced and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this incredibly satisfying recipe makes eating healthy feel like a treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this casserole shine is how every simple ingredient earns its spot: nothing fussy, just classic, good-for-you staples working in harmony. Each one brings something vital, whether it’s creaminess, nuttiness, or that pop of color and flavor. You’ll be delighted how such practical components come together for this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe!
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Offers a nutty flavor and extra fiber; penne or rotini hold sauces beautifully.
- Chicken Breast: Shredded or diced, it’s packed with lean protein and keeps this casserole filling.
- Broccoli Florets: Adds gorgeous green color, vitamins, and crisp freshness; use fresh or frozen, whatever you have!
- Olive Oil: Provides a heart-healthy fat for sautéing and making a smooth roux.
- Garlic: Brings aroma and depth that livens up the entire sauce.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Thickens the sauce while sticking to the healthy, high-fiber theme.
- Low-Fat Milk: Makes the cheese sauce luscious while keeping it light.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Enhances the savory flavors without piling on the salt.
- Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and a gentle onion undertone.
- Black Pepper: A must for the perfect level of seasoning.
- Salt: Balanced seasoning to tie all the flavors together.
- Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese: Melts deliciously, giving you that classic comfort food vibe.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a punch of sharp, salty flavor and nutty complexity.
- Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs (optional): For a satisfying, toasty topping with more fiber.
- Olive Oil Spray or Drizzle: Helps crisp up the breadcrumbs and gives a golden finish.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, then lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole comes out perfectly bubbly and nothing sticks to the bottom — plus, that golden crust lifts right out in gorgeous slices!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Boil the pasta according to package directions until just al dente — you don’t want it mushy, since it’ll cook more in the oven. During the last 2 to 3 minutes of pasta cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. This trick lets the broccoli turn bright green and crisp-tender, soaking up flavor right alongside your noodles. Drain both pasta and broccoli well and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté garlic for about one minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the whole wheat flour and whisk constantly for another minute. Welcome to roux town! Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring all the while until the mixture is thick and silky (about 3–5 minutes). Sprinkle in the onion powder, salt, and pepper, then remove from the heat and stir in both cheeses until beautifully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Combine the drained pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken right in your prepared baking dish. Pour the freshly made cheese sauce over the top and gently toss everything together so every nook and cranny gets a bit of that creamy goodness. If you’re using breadcrumbs for crunch, sprinkle them over the top and give them a quick olive oil spray or light drizzle.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until it’s bubbling and the top has turned deliciously golden. If you added breadcrumbs, watch for that irresistible toasty color. Let it cool for about 5 minutes so it sets up just enough to slice and serve.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a little extra Parmesan cheese right before serving. You could also add a twist of cracked black pepper or thinly sliced green onions for color and a little zing. These tiny details really make the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe look as inviting and appetizing as it tastes!
Side Dishes
Keep the meal bright and balanced by serving this casserole with a crisp side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots. A bit of crusty whole grain bread on the side never hurts, especially for sopping up any extra cheesy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Bake the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or scoop it into bowls and top with a drizzle of hot sauce for spice lovers. If you’re packing lunchboxes, this casserole rewarms beautifully and keeps its creamy texture — portion it into meal prep containers and add a wedge of fresh lemon on the side for a burst of brightness just before eating!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe holds up remarkably well in the fridge. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store for up to four days. The flavors get even cozier as everything mingles, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner a breeze.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, assemble the casserole all the way up to the baking point (but don’t bake yet). Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, until hot. If you’re reheating a larger amount, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. If the casserole looks a little dry, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber, you can use any sturdy pasta shape you have on hand, including gluten-free varieties if needed. Just try to pick shapes that hold sauce well like penne, rigatoni, or rotini.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this casserole?
Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate convenient shortcut, but you can also quickly poach, bake, or grill your own chicken breasts ahead of time. Just make sure it’s cooked through and then dice or shred as desired.
Can I make this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, it’s easy! Swap in unsweetened almond milk for the milk, and use your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives. The end result is still creamy, comforting, and every bit as flavorful.
How do I keep broccoli from turning mushy?
Only boil the broccoli with the pasta for the last 2 to 3 minutes, then drain immediately. This gets it just tender but still bright and perky, so it holds up well in the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe.
Can I add other vegetables?
Go for it! Cauliflower florets, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms are all delicious additions. Just keep an eye on total veggie volume so everything fits comfortably in your baking dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that checks every box for hearty, healthy, and easy, you can’t go wrong with the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of comfort food that feeds a crowd or just yourself — and becomes an instant favorite after the very first bite. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Print
Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A nutritious and delicious Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole recipe that is perfect for a comforting family dinner. This dish combines whole wheat pasta, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- 1½ cups low-fat milk
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Topping:
- ¼ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional)
- olive oil spray or drizzle (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add broccoli during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and broth until thickened. Add seasonings and cheeses.
- Combine pasta, broccoli, and chicken in the baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over the mixture and toss gently to combine. Top with breadcrumbs and olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute unsweetened almond milk and a plant-based cheese alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
