If you’re in the mood for a warm, bubbly dinner that packs in plenty of flavor and nutrition, the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe is a must-try! This casserole is everything a home-cooked meal should be: hearty, comforting, and secretly loaded with good-for-you ingredients. Whole wheat pasta brings satisfying chew, tender chicken adds lean protein, and every bite is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce that doesn’t feel the least bit “light.” Plus, the broccoli delivers vibrant color and a pop of green that tucks extra vegetables into your meal effortlessly. If you’re looking for a dish that feels classic but is sneakily healthy, this is your new weeknight staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Welcome to the heart of this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe: simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a starring role. These are pantry and fridge basics, but when combined, they make magic happen in your casserole dish—bringing you just the right amount of creaminess, crunch, and comfort.
- Whole wheat pasta (8 ounces): Adds fiber, hearty texture, and helps the casserole feel extra satisfying.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or cubed): Brings lean protein to keep you fueled and full.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups, lightly steamed or blanched): Offer a burst of green color, nutrients, and a subtle, fresh flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides a hint of richness for sautéeing the onion and garlic.
- Small onion (chopped): Builds aromatic depth for the sauce base.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the whole casserole with irresistible warmth.
- Whole wheat flour (1 tablespoon): Ensures a thick, creamy sauce without the guilt.
- Low-fat milk (1 ½ cups): Creates a luscious but lightened-up cream sauce.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds protein, tang, and extra creaminess without heavy cream.
- Dijon mustard (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens everything up and deepens flavor complexity.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Blends herbs that complement the creamy, cheesy layers.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and heightens all the flavors.
- Shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Gives sharp, nutty flavor and a golden finish.
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, optional): Adds crunch if you love a crispy topping.
- Olive oil spray: Ensures your casserole turns wonderfully golden on top.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil spray to make sure nothing sticks and that golden brown finish slides seamlessly off the pan. This step ensures the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe is easy to serve (and easy to clean up later!).
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your whole wheat pasta. Cook until it’s just al dente—remember, it’ll keep cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it now. Drain and set aside. The slightly firm texture keeps the final dish from getting mushy.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute, releasing incredible aroma that will infuse your casserole with warmth from the very first bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the onion mixture and cook while stirring for about a minute. This helps develop flavor and ensures there won’t be any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk, keeping things smooth. Bring to a simmer and stir for 3–4 minutes as it thickens into a glossy, creamy sauce that’s secretly light. Off the heat, blend in the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper for flavor that sings.
Step 5: Mix and Assemble
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli with your just-made sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every piece of pasta and broccoli is coated in creamy goodness. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
Step 6: Add Cheese & Toppings
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the surface. If you love a crisp topping, add the whole wheat breadcrumbs and give a light mist of olive oil spray. This combo creates a bubbly, melty, and lightly golden crust when baked.
Step 7: Bake and Serve
Slide your assembled casserole into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until everything is hot, bubbly, and fabulously golden on top. Let the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe sit for a few minutes before serving—this helps the cheesy layers set and makes cutting into squares much easier.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving brings a burst of color and a fresh herby kick. If you’re feeling extra, a dash more Parmesan or a crack of black pepper can never go wrong! This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe loves a little extra attention.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is a balanced meal all on its own, keep the sides light! A crisp mixed greens salad with a splash of vinaigrette, or some roasted veggies make wonderful companions. Warm, crusty bread is always a crowd-pleaser if you want to soak up some of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress for a gathering, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for single servings. Or, spoon it onto a bed of fresh spinach to add more greens and give it a bistro-style vibe. The Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe also holds up beautifully as a packed lunch the next day—try it cold as a pasta salad!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. The flavors meld as it sits, so you might even find you love it more the next day!
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer-friendly superstar. Once cooled, wrap individual portions or the whole baking dish tightly with plastic wrap then foil. It’ll last up to 3 months. For the crispiest topping, wait to add breadcrumbs until after you reheat.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through—usually about 20 minutes for a full pan, less for single servings. For quick meals, use the microwave; just sprinkle a little water over the top to keep things from drying out. The Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe always bounces back to creamy, cozy perfection!
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds tons of savory flavor. Simply shred or cube and proceed as written in the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Short pastas work best, like penne or rotini, as they hold the sauce and bake evenly. If you want to switch it up, fusilli or shells are delicious options!
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce. The results are just as tasty, and you won’t miss a thing.
Can I make Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely—just leave out the chicken and substitute with canned chickpeas, white beans, or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, protein-rich vegetarian version.
Does this recipe work with frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli is a handy shortcut. Just let it thaw and drain thoroughly (squeeze out any excess water with a towel) before adding to the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe so your casserole stays creamy, not watery.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after a wholesome, make-ahead dinner or a cozy dish to share with friends, the Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe delivers every time. One bite and it’ll quickly earn a spot in your meal rotation, so gather your ingredients and enjoy a little comfort with every forkful!
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Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that the whole family will love. Made with whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast, and plenty of broccoli, it’s a satisfying meal that’s lightened up with a creamy Greek yogurt sauce and topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ cups low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer, stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and sauce in a large bowl. Mix until well coated, then pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle over the top and lightly mist with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with canned tuna or chickpeas for variety.
- To make it gluten-free, use GF pasta and flour.
- Frozen broccoli works if thawed and well-drained.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
