Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta and Vegetables
01 -
8 ounces uncooked whole-wheat rotini or preferred pasta
02 -
1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets (approximately 1 pound)
→ Sauce
03 -
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
04 -
1 small white onion, thinly sliced
05 -
8 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, thinly sliced
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 -
1 cup chicken stock or vegetable stock
09 -
1 1/2 cups milk
10 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 -
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
12 -
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
→ Cheese and Protein
13 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (8 ounces total)
14 -
2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
02 -
Bring a large stockpot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente, adding broccoli florets during the last minute of cooking. Drain and set aside.
03 -
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add butter or olive oil. Sauté sliced onion for 3 minutes, then add mushrooms and minced garlic. Continue to cook for 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.
04 -
Sprinkle flour evenly over sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Pour in chicken or vegetable stock and mix until smooth. Add milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and incorporate 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if desired.
05 -
In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, combine cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, creamy mushroom sauce, and diced chicken. Mix thoroughly and spread into an even layer.
06 -
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, and return to oven. Continue baking for 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 -
Serve hot, garnished with additional freshly cracked black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
Frozen broccoli florets (thawed) may be used in place of fresh; gluten-free or alternative-grain pasta can be substituted to accommodate dietary needs.