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
Scale
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
