This dish will surely make your day extra special! The rich flavours in this chicken-broccoli pasta are superb! My only advice to you is to be very generous with the amount of cheese that you are going to add. Just do it and thank me later. Enjoy!
HEALTHY CHICKEN BROCCOLI PASTA CASSEROLE
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 35 mins
Ingredients:
8 ounces pasta
12 ounces broccoli – I used frozen cut broccoli
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons flour
1 c chicken stock or vegetable stock
1 1/2 c milk
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-cracked black pepper
2 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (8 oz)
1 lb. diced cooked chicken
Directions:
Prepare the oven and preheat to 200 degrees C or 400 degrees F.
Place a large pot with salted water on the stove and turn the heat to high. Allow the water to boil.
Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Add the broccoli and steam for another 2 minutes.
Drain the water and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Place a saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to medium.
Add butter and allow it to melt.
Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the garlic and sauté until aromatic.
Add flour and stir until well mixed. Cook for about a minute.
Add the stock gradually and stir every addition.
Add Dijon mustard, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Simmer for a few minutes, then remove the pan from the heat.
Add 1 cup of shredded cheese and stir until well mixed.
Add the al dente pasta, broccoli, cheese sauce, and chicken into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Toss everything until well combined.
Place it inside the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle a very generous amount of cheddar cheese on top.
Put it back inside the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely.
Serve and enjoy!
