Imagine a warm, comforting dish perfect for family dinner. This chicken casserole with pasta and broccoli is easy to make and full of flavor. It has a 4.39-star rating, making it a favorite among many, ready in just 40 minutes.
Making this creamy chicken casserole is simple. It’s a tasty, satisfying meal your family will enjoy. It’s ideal for those who love a good chicken broccoli noodle casserole.
Why This Chicken Casserole with Pasta and Broccoli Will Become Your Family Favorite
This chicken casserole with pasta and broccoli is perfect for family dinners. It’s made with healthy ingredients and is easy to make. You can also adjust it to fit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
The mix of chicken, broccoli, and pasta makes a delicious meal. It’s great for any weeknight or special occasion. Plus, it’s a good way to add veggies to your meals.
You can customize this recipe to your liking. Try different pasta shapes or add veggies like spinach, onions, peas, or mushrooms. It’s also a smart way to use leftover chicken, saving you time.
Key Features of This Recipe
This recipe is easy to make and can be tailored to your taste. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from chicken, broccoli, and cheese. Plus, it cooks quickly, under an hour, which is perfect for busy families.
Health Benefits
This dish is full of health benefits. It’s a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. It’s also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy meal choice.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 531 |
| Sugar | 2.9g |
| Sodium | 685.6mg |
| Fat | 18.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 22.9g |
| Protein | 66.5g |
| Cholesterol | 192.3mg |
Time and Budget Considerations
This recipe is quick to make and budget-friendly. You can find all the ingredients easily. It makes 6 servings, ideal for families or groups.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Sauce
To make the perfect creamy sauce, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These are chicken broth, milk, flour, and cheese. Together, they create a rich, creamy sauce that goes well with chicken, broccoli, and pasta.
Chicken broth adds flavor, and heavy cream makes the sauce creamy. Grated cheese, like Parmesan, adds a salty taste. And flour thickens the sauce so it’s not too runny.
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 tbsp of butter
- 3 cloves of crushed/minced garlic
- 1 cup of heavy/whipping cream
- 1 tsp of dried thyme
- 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp of lemon juice
By mixing these ingredients in the right way, you’ll get a delicious creamy sauce. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking. You can also add other ingredients to make the sauce your own.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Flour | 2 tbsp |
| Cheese | 3/4 cup |
Choosing the Right Pasta and Preparing Your Broccoli
When making a delicious chicken cheese and broccoli casserole, picking the right pasta is key. The pasta’s type affects the dish’s texture and taste. For this casserole, choose short, sturdy shapes that catch the creamy sauce well.
Penne, fusilli, and farfalle are great for casseroles. They hold sauce well and offer a tasty bite. To prepare broccoli, steam it or sauté it with olive oil and garlic. This enhances broccoli’s flavor and adds a wonderful aroma to your dish.
Best Pasta Types for Casseroles
- Penne: A classic choice for casseroles, penne is a short, tube-shaped pasta that holds onto sauce perfectly.
- Fusilli: This corkscrew-shaped pasta is another popular choice for casseroles, as it provides a fun and interesting texture.
- Farfalle: Also known as bow-tie pasta, farfalle is a great choice for casseroles, as it adds a touch of elegance to the dish.
Broccoli Preparation Methods
There are several ways to prepare broccoli for your chicken cheese and broccoli casserole. You can either steam it until tender, or sauté it in a pan with some olive oil and garlic. Both methods will bring out the natural flavor of the broccoli and add a delicious aroma to your dish.
| Pasta Type | Broccoli Preparation Method | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Penne | Steaming | 5-7 minutes |
| Fusilli | Sautéing | 3-5 minutes |
| Farfalle | Steaming | 5-7 minutes |
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make a tasty chicken casserole with pasta and broccoli, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. You’ll need a large sauté pan for cooking the chicken and broccoli. Also, a 9×13-inch baking dish is needed for assembling and baking the casserole. Don’t forget a set of utensils like a wooden spoon, spatula, and whisk.
Here’s a list of the equipment you’ll need:
- Large sauté pan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Set of utensils (wooden spoon, spatula, whisk)
- Oven
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more efficient. You can cook the chicken and broccoli perfectly. Then, assemble the casserole easily and bake it until it’s golden brown.
With the right tools and a bit of practice, you’ll be making delicious chicken casserole like a pro. So, go ahead and start cooking. Enjoy the tasty flavors of this classic dish!
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Large sauté pan | For cooking chicken and broccoli |
| 9×13-inch baking dish | For assembling and baking the casserole |
| Set of utensils | For mixing and serving |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To make a tasty chicken broccoli noodle casserole, just follow these easy steps. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, cook your pasta until it’s al dente, following the package instructions.
Then, season your chicken with your favorite herbs and spices. Cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, until it’s fully cooked.
Preparing the Cream Sauce
Make the cream sauce in a separate saucepan. Mix heavy cream, cream cheese, and grated mozzarella. Heat it over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Assembly Process
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and steamed broccoli. Pour the cream sauce over it and stir until everything is coated.
Put the mixture in a 9×11 inch baking dish. Sprinkle more mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the top is golden.
Baking Guidelines
Here are some baking tips to remember:
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Oven temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Baking dish size: 9×11 inches
By following these steps, you’ll make a delicious chicken broccoli noodle casserole. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or a special event.
Flavor Variations and Add-ins
Want to spice up your chicken broccoli cheese pasta casserole? Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh taste. Or, add spices like paprika or garlic powder for a smoky flavor.
Adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can also enhance the dish. You can even add meat like bacon or ham for a heartier taste. Here are some ideas for flavor variations and add-ins:
- Adding some diced onions or mushrooms to the chicken broccoli cheese pasta
- Using different types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella
- Adding some chopped fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor
Remember, the key to a great chicken broccoli cheese pasta casserole is to experiment. Find the flavor combination you love the most. So, don’t be afraid to try new things and add your own twist to the recipe.
With a bit of creativity, you can make your chicken broccoli cheese pasta casserole truly special. So, go ahead, get creative, and enjoy your delicious dish!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1 lb |
| Broccoli florets | 12 oz |
| Whole wheat pasta | 1 lb |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
There are several ways to make ahead and store your chicken casserole. You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. This saves time and ensures it’s ready when you need it.
For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freezing is not advised as the pasta can become mushy. If you want to store it longer, make the creamy sauce separately and refrigerate or freeze it.
Here are some tips for reheating your chicken casserole:
- Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot and steaming.
- Consider adding a little extra milk or cream to the casserole when reheating to keep it creamy and moist.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your broccoli cheddar chicken pasta casserole whenever you want. It will stay fresh and flavorful.
| Storage Method | Storage Time | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate | 3-4 days | Reheat in oven or microwave |
| Freezer | Not recommended | N/A |
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
There are many ways to serve your chicken broccoli pasta casserole. You can pair it with salads, vegetables, or bread. For a light choice, try a Roasted Beet Salad or a Spinach Quinoa Salad with Feta Cheese. For something cozy, Garlic Green Beans or Cowboy Corn Casserole are perfect.
Here are some other side dish ideas that go well with chicken broccoli pasta casserole:
- Roasted Broccoli: quick and easy to make, with a cooking time of just 10 minutes in the oven
- Butter Swim Biscuits: a classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce of the casserole
- Cheesy Cornbread: a sweet and savory option that complements the flavors of the chicken and broccoli
- Honey Lime Fruit Salad: a refreshing and light option for a balanced meal
- Pico de Gallo: a spicy and tangy option that adds a burst of flavor to the dish
To finish your dish, add fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. These suggestions will help you create a delicious and balanced meal. Chicken broccoli pasta casserole is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s for a crowd or just your family. It’s easy to make and fun to customize.
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
When making a chicken cheese and broccoli casserole, it’s key to avoid common mistakes. Overcooking the pasta is a big one. It can turn the pasta mushy and unappealing. To prevent this, cook the pasta about 4-5 minutes less than usual.
Not using enough cheese is another mistake. It can make the casserole dry and tasteless. Mixing cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella adds richness. Also, not par-cooking vegetables like broccoli can make the casserole soggy.
- Fill the casserole dish no more than three-quarters of the height to prevent overflow.
- Cover the casserole to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
- Rest the casserole for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up.
By following these tips, you can make a tasty chicken cheese and broccoli casserole. Your family and friends will surely enjoy it.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Modifications
Knowing the nutritional facts of your chicken casserole with pasta and broccoli is key. Each serving has about 411 calories, with 59 calories coming from fat. The dish has 6.6g of fat, with 1.2g of saturated fat, 0.2g of polyunsaturated fat, and 1.3g of monounsaturated fat.
This casserole is not just tasty but also packed with protein, at 34g per serving. It has 49.7g of carbs, with 3.3g of fiber and 3.7g of sugar. To fit your diet better, you can adjust the ingredients or portion sizes.
Calorie Breakdown
- Calories per serving: 411
- Calories from fat: 59
- Total fat: 6.6g
- Carbohydrates: 49.7g
- Protein: 34g
Dietary Alternatives
To make your casserole more diet-friendly, try using gluten-free pasta. You can also cut down on cheese or add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots. This will boost the dish’s nutritional value.
Conclusion
To make a tasty chicken broccoli noodle casserole, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need 3 cups of cooked chicken, 12 ounces of frozen broccoli, and 8 ounces of cheddar cheese. Follow the steps in this article to create a satisfying meal.
The casserole cooks in 30-35 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. To prepare it, use 1 pound of chicken breasts, 3 cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of milk. Add 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 package of egg noodles. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
Each serving has about 590kcal, 23g of carbs, 24g of protein, and 45g of fat. By following the recipe, you can make a delicious casserole your family will enjoy. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. For another hearty and flavorful dish, check out our Purple Black Bean Soup Recipe—a perfect addition to your meal rotation. So, try it out and enjoy the flavors of this casserole.