Easy Weeknight Broccoli Cheddar Chicken & Pasta Casserole (Healthier twist)

Craving a comforting dish that’s also healthy?

This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a delicious, modern take on the classic.

Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a homemade creamy cheddar mushroom sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Discover how easy it is to make this nutritious, satisfying meal. Keep reading for the full recipe and tips on customizing it to your taste!

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Ingredients

Pasta: 8 ounces uncooked pasta (whole-wheat, traditional, gluten-free, or any other type)
Broccoli: 1 large head, cut into florets (or 1 pound frozen broccoli)
Mushrooms: 8 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, thinly sliced
Butter or Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Onion: 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Flour: 3 tablespoons
Stock: 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
Milk: 1.5 cups (any kind)
Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, freshly cracked
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (8 ounces), shredded
Chicken: 2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken

1. Preheat Oven

2. Cook Pasta and Broccoli

Boil pasta in a large pot of generously-salted water until al dente.
Add broccoli florets to the pasta water 1 minute before the pasta is done. Drain both and set aside.

3. Make Mushroom Sauce

Heat butter or oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add mushrooms and garlic, sauté for another 5 minutes until mushrooms are cooked through.
Sprinkle flour evenly over the onion mixture, stir to combine, and cook for 1 minute.
Add stock and stir until clumps are gone.
Add milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook until the sauce simmers.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Combine and Bake

In a large 9 x 13-inch baking dish, combine cooked pasta, broccoli, mushroom sauce, and chicken. Toss until evenly mixed.
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve warm, garnished with extra black pepper and fresh herbs if desired.

(Based on 8 servings)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and exact measurements.

This modern, creamy, and cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is the perfect comfort food that is both healthier and incredibly satisfying.