Description
A wholesome and delicious chicken broccoli pasta casserole baked with whole wheat pasta, tender chicken, and a creamy Greek yogurt cheese sauce, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat or high-protein pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning
Additional
- Cooking spray
- Optional: Extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package directions, adding the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth. Allow it to simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the Greek yogurt, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and dried basil until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, shredded chicken, and the prepared cheese sauce. Mix everything evenly to coat all ingredients with the sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set before serving. Enjoy your healthy and comforting chicken broccoli pasta casserole!
Notes
- For convenience, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
- Enhance nutrition and flavor by adding vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or spinach.
- This casserole stores well in the refrigerator and makes excellent leftovers when reheated.
- To freeze, bake the casserole as directed, cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
