Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food made better—packed with juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy (but light!) homemade sauce, all tangled together with wholesome pasta and melty cheddar. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor and cozy satisfaction this casserole delivers, with way less guilt than the heavy classic versions.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy here—just simple, real ingredients you probably already have on hand. They each play a crucial role, from the rich, sharp cheddar to the nutty whole-wheat pasta and, of course, heaps of bright green broccoli for crunch and color!

• Pasta: Whole-wheat rotini adds extra fiber and a hearty bite, but you can use your favorite type.
• Fresh broccoli florets: The star veggie brings nutrients, gorgeous color, and just the right tender snap.
• Butter or olive oil: For sautéeing and building a rich, flavorful base for your sauce.
• White onion: Sliced thin so it blends right in, adding sweetness and savoriness to every bite.
• Baby bella mushrooms: These bring earthy depth and a boost of umami flavor—slice them thin so they melt into the sauce.
• Garlic: Four cloves provide aromatic warmth—trust me, don’t skimp!
• Flour: Just a bit thickens the sauce, making it creamy without heavy cream.
• Chicken or vegetable stock: Adds foundational flavor and keeps the sauce light, not gloppy.
• Milk: Use low-fat or whole—your choice!—for creamy texture without it being heavy.
• Dijon mustard: A little sharpness from Dijon brightens the whole casserole—don’t worry, it’s subtle.
• Sea salt and freshly-cracked pepper: These seasonings tie all the flavors together perfectly.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melty, punchy, and absolutely essential for that crave-worthy top layer.
• Cooked chicken: Diced or shredded—go for rotisserie for speed, or use up leftover roast chicken.

Variations

What I love most about Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is just how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or simply craving a twist, these variations will help you customize the dish to fit your table perfectly.

• Go Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour for the sauce—no one will taste the difference.
• Make It Vegetarian: Leave out the chicken and add an extra cup of mushrooms or some sautéed tofu for plant-based protein.
• Switch Up the Veggies: Try adding chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even frozen peas along with the broccoli for extra color and nutrients.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle whole-grain panko or crushed whole-wheat crackers over the cheese before the final bake for an irresistible crunch.

How to Make Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until almost al dente—toss in the broccoli just a minute before the pasta’s done. This quick blanch keeps the broccoli vivid green and crisp-tender. Once both are ready, drain together and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large sauté pan, melt the butter or warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the sliced onion for a few minutes until softened, then add mushrooms and garlic. Let everything cook down until the mushrooms are golden and their flavor is deep and savory.

Step 3: Build Your Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the aromatics, stirring well—this forms the roux that thickens your sauce. After a minute, splash in the stock, whisking out lumps, then add the milk, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer gently until slightly thickened, then melt in half the cheddar for smooth, cheesy perfection. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a large baking dish, combine your cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, sautéed mushroom sauce, and diced chicken. Give everything a good toss so it’s evenly mixed, then spread it into an even layer for baking.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake the uncovered casserole at 400°F for 15 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top and return to the oven for another 10 minutes. The cheese will melt into gooey, bubbly bliss and the casserole will be piping hot and golden around the edges—just how we love it!

How to Serve Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a shower of chopped parsley, or even thin-sliced green onion adds a pop of color and lively freshness right before serving. For a little zip, a dash of chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon over each portion is also delicious!

Side Dishes

This casserole is robust enough to serve all on its own, but it also loves to be paired! Try it alongside a tangy, crunchy slaw, a simple green salad, or a slice of crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots complement the dish beautifully, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving for a crowd? Scoop the Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole into mini ramekins for individual portions—a show-stopper for potlucks or brunches! Or, let everyone top their own serving with fresh herbs, hot sauce, or an extra layer of shredded cheese for a DIY casserole bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, and reheated portions are just as creamy and mouthwatering as the day it was made—if not even better!

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. Wrap it well or store in an airtight container, then thaw overnight in the fridge. For best results, freeze before adding the final cheese topping, then add fresh cheese right before baking.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or pop the casserole dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if the pasta seems dry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole delivers all the flavor and nostalgia—with a much fresher, lighter spin. Give it a try and see just how irresistible healthy comfort food can truly be!

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