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
Scale
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
