Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 35 mins
For a hearty and satisfying dinner, make this easy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole in no more than thirty-five minutes! I am pretty sure your family will love and enjoy this comforting casserole. Super good, easy, and fast to whip up, it’s no doubt that this would easily become your next go-to healthy casserole recipe!
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 (vegetable stock could also be used)
1 1/2 c. milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-cracked black pepper
2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (8 ounces)
1 pound diced cooked chicken
HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY CHICKEN BROCCOLI PASTA CASSEROLE
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 400 degrees F.
Step 2: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Add the broccoli to the pasta about 2 minutes before it is done and stir to incorporate. Drain the pasta and broccoli when done.
Step 3: Melt the butter (or heat the oil) in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the onion to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and continue to cook for another 3 minutes while stirring rarely.
Step 4: Over the onion and garlic mixture, sprinkle the flour. Stir well until combined and cook for a minute more.
Step 5: Gradually add in the stock, stirring until almost smooth and the lumps disappear. Pour in the milk, then add in the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until completely mixed. Cook further until the sauce is simmering. Then, take the sauce from the heat and add in a cup of shredded cheese. Stir well until the cheese has melted and completely combined.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Mix to combine, evening out the ingredients to cover the entire casserole dish.
Step 7: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven when done and sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Return the casserole dish to the oven and continue to bake for 10 minutes more until the cheese has melted.