Description
This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is a wholesome, comforting dish combining whole wheat pasta, roasted broccoli, tender chicken, and a creamy cashew-based sauce. It’s baked to perfection with melted cheese on top, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces whole wheat rotini pasta (or any pasta)
- 3-4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Protein and Cheese
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 2 cups regular or vegan shredded cheese, divided (1 cup for mixing, 1 cup for topping)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy cashew butter
- 3/4 cup unsweetened plain cashew milk (or almond milk)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Boil: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, start boiling a pot of water for the pasta to cook later.
- Roast Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a 9×13 inch casserole dish, drizzle with avocado oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cashew butter, unsweetened cashew milk, chicken or vegetable broth, almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: To the roasted broccoli in the casserole dish, add the cooked pasta, cubed cooked chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the prepared cashew sauce. Mix everything well to combine evenly.
- Bake Casserole: Top the mixture with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- You can substitute the whole wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Use vegan cheese and plant-based chicken to make this dish vegan.
- Roasting broccoli enhances its flavor but steaming can be used for a softer texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Additions like mushrooms or bell peppers can be incorporated for extra veggies.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce cheese quantity or use low-fat cheese.
