Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
This is one casserole I make that Todd doesn't mind eating pasta in. Probably because it is off-set by plenty of broccoli, chicken and cheese! And of course there is that tasty sauce!
This is a bit different than most chicken and broccoli casseroles out there in that you are not going to be using sour cream, mayonnaise or creamed soup. Everything here is totally un-processed and I might add very yummy!
I use whole wheat pasta because I am a type 2 Diabetic and whole wheat pasta is more diabetic friendly and considered a healthy carb, or low GI.
I also tend to use low fat cheese and milk in this. There are plenty of other flavours going on that you won't miss the full fat versions of anything. Trust me on this.
But of course, if you are not bothered about fat, calories or glucose, by all means use full fat ingredients and regular pasta!
Myself, I am rather fond of it just the way it is. I quite like whole wheat pasta.
The sauce is very simple . . . a simple bechamel, cream type of sauce, flavoured with garlic and Dijon mustard. There are also some herbs, seasoning and of course cheese. Don't be tempted to use the already grated cheese. They add a starch to it to keep it from sticking together and you won't get the same velvet texture to your sauce. I always grate my own for just this reason. This time I did use a mix of white and orange cheddars, mostly for colour.
*Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake*
Serves 6 two chicken breasts, cooked and coarsely torn up
2 cups broccoli florets
Preheated the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Butter a large shallow casserole dish. Set aside.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions to al Dente, adding the broccoli florets the last two minutes of cooking time. Drain well and rinse. Toss together with the chicken in a bowl.
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the garlic and cook stirring over medium low heat without browning until quite fragrant. Whisk in the flour and Dijon mustard. Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook, whisking constantly until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Whisk in the paprika, parsley flakes and Italian herbs. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese and stir to melt. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the broccoli and chicken, tossing together to coat. Pour into the prepared baking dish and scatter the remaining cheese over top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until heated through and bubbling. Let stand 5 minutes prior to serving.
A few notes:
- Low fat ingredients can be used successfully
- Recipe can successfully cut in half
- Leftovers freeze well. (I freeze it in single serving size containers.) I thaw before re-heating in the microwave. This makes for a quick meal when on the run.
- You can put this all together the day or evening before, cover and chill and then just bake it when you are ready to eat the day after. Uncover and allow the chill to come off prior to baking. About 15 minutes at room temperature will do it. Its a great make ahead meal!
I usually use This Recipe for poaching my chicken and I poach it the day before I am going to use it. You can also use leftover cooked chicken. I often cut this recipe in half, but this time I cooked the full version because I wanted to put some in the freezer for quick and easy meals when I get rather busy! I hope you will give it a go. I think it is something your family will really enjoy! Bon Appetit!
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