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Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole: A Nutritious & Delicious Family Dinner

Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
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Looking for a comforting, nutritious, and family-friendly dinner? This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is packed with lean protein, veggies, and whole-grain pasta for a balanced meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—without being overly heavy!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz whole wheat or high-fiber pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
  • 12 oz broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
  • 1½ cups low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds depth of flavor)
  • ½ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided, 8 oz total)
  • 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)

Instructions

1. Prep & Cook Pasta & Broccoli

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-9 mins).
  • 2 minutes before pasta is done, add broccoli to the pot. Drain together.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

  • In a large pan, heat olive oil/butter over medium heat.
  • Sauté onion for 3 mins, then add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  • Sprinkle flour, stir 1 minute to cook off raw taste.
  • Slowly whisk in chicken stock, then milk, ensuring no lumps.
  • Add Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened (~3-4 mins).
  • Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup cheese until melted.

3. Assemble & Bake

  • In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine pasta, broccoli, chicken, and sauce. Mix well.
  • Spread evenly, then bake uncovered for 15 mins.
  • Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, bake 10 more mins until bubbly and golden.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

✅ Meal Prep Friendly – Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
✅ Boost Nutrition – Use whole wheat pasta, add spinach, or swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
✅ Crispy Top Option – Add a sprinkle of whole wheat breadcrumbs with the cheese for crunch.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://toplushrecipes.com/healthy-chicken-broccoli-pasta-casserole-a-nutritious-delicious-family-dinner/