This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is pure cozy comfort—with a nutritious twist! Tender chunks of chicken, impossibly creamy cheese sauce, and crisp-tender broccoli all snuggle together under a melty cheddar blanket, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or Sunday suppers. And the best part? You won’t believe it’s lightened up. Let’s dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightened-Up and Creamy: You’ll enjoy all the richness of classic casseroles, but with a healthier homemade sauce and plenty of nutritious veggies.
- Easy Weeknight Win: This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole comes together in about an hour—most of that hands-off—and packs up beautifully for leftovers.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: The combination of tender pasta, mellow broccoli, and sharp cheddar is always a hit (even with picky eaters!).
- Totally Customizable: Swap in your favorite protein, cheese, or even gluten-free pasta to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a huge shopping list to make this wholesome comfort food—just a handful of staples and a few fresh veggies! Each ingredient plays a starring role, creating that irresistible balance of texture, flavor, and color in your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole.
- Whole-wheat pasta: I love rotini for its nooks and crannies, but any short pasta works! Whole-wheat adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh, vibrant broccoli for a pop of color and that signature crunch—don’t overcook them before baking!
- Butter or olive oil: Either one creates a silky base for your sautéed veggies and a luscious sauce; use olive oil for a lighter touch.
- White onion: Just one, sliced thinly, brings a subtle sweetness that complements the cheese beautifully.
- Baby bella mushrooms: Mushrooms add an earthy, savory depth and “meaty” body without extra calories.
- Garlic: Four cloves give the sauce incredible aroma and punch.
- Flour: Just a bit thickens the sauce to creamy perfection—no canned soup needed!
- Chicken or vegetable stock: This makes the sauce flavorful and light, tying together all the savory notes.
- Milk: Use any type you like! It makes the sauce velvety without being heavy.
- Dijon mustard: Secret sauce alert! This adds a gentle tang that keeps each bite interesting.
- Fine sea salt & black pepper: Just enough seasoning to let the fresh ingredients shine.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: A generous sprinkle both inside and on top brings gooey, melty magic. Shred your own for the best texture.
- Cooked chicken: Use rotisserie, leftover roast, or meal-prepped chicken for ultimate convenience.
Variations
The beauty of Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is how flexible it is! Don’t be afraid to give it your own spin—swap ingredients based on your cravings, dietary needs, or what’s sitting in your fridge.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce—no one will notice the difference.
- Boost the veggies: Add in a handful of baby spinach, diced red bell pepper, or even frozen peas for extra color and nutrients.
- Swap the protein: Turkey, tofu, or even leftover roasted salmon work wonderfully in place of chicken for a fresh twist.
- Tweak the cheese: Go for Gruyère for a nutty vibe or add a sprinkle of Parmesan to the topping for extra savoriness.
How to Make Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta just until almost al dente, then add the broccoli florets for the last minute. This par-cooks the broccoli so it keeps a perfect bright green color and just the right tender-crisp bite once baked. Drain both together and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large sauté pan, melt your butter or heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and let it soften for a few minutes. Toss in the mushrooms and garlic, and continue to sauté, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden and their liquid has mostly cooked away. This step builds the savory backbone of your casserole’s flavor!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed vegetables and toss well to coat. Give it about a minute to cook, then pour in the chicken or veggie stock, whisking to smooth out any lumps. Add milk, Dijon, and a good dose of salt and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens just enough, then remove from heat and melt in half the sharp cheddar. Taste, and adjust the seasoning if you like—it should be irresistibly creamy!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the cooked pasta and broccoli into a big baking dish, along with your cooked chicken. Pour the mushroom sauce on top and toss everything together so every noodle and floret gets coated. Smooth into an even layer, then bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Sprinkle on the rest of the cheddar, and return to the oven until the cheese is melty and bubbling. Serve hot and enjoy every cozy forkful!
Pro Tips for Making Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole
- Broccoli Brightness: For the most vibrant color and crisp-tender texture, don’t skip adding the broccoli to the boiling pasta water just before draining—they’ll finish cooking in the oven!
- Sauce Thickness Matters: Make sure your sauce simmers long enough to gently thicken before removing it from the heat—this prevents a runny casserole.
- Cheese, Grated Fresh: Buying block cheese and grating it yourself means faster melting and no odd, powdery texture in your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole.
- Shortcuts Save Time: Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken make this casserole a breeze on busy weeknights—just dice or shred and toss it right in!
How to Serve Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
You can easily elevate each serving of Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole with a simple scatter of fresh parsley or chives. If you love a hint of spice, try a pinch of crushed red pepper or extra cracked black pepper on top for a bit of pep and contrasting color!
Side Dishes
This one-pan wonder truly is a meal on its own, but for a heartier spread, serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with lemony vinaigrette or a slice of whole-grain bread for dipping into extra sauce. Roasted carrots or sautéed green beans make colorful, fresh companions, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole into individual ramekins before baking for easy, grab-and-go portions. Or bring the whole bubbling dish to the table family-style—just finish with your favorite herbs right before serving for major “wow” factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer portions into airtight containers for perfectly fresh, easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Assemble your unbaked Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole, cover well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or reheat from frozen—just add a little extra time and cover with foil until bubbling.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or covered in a 325°F oven until hot through. Add a splash of milk if the casserole seems a bit dry—the cheesy sauce will return to its delightful creaminess in no time.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli in Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works in a pinch—no need to thaw. Just add it to the boiling pasta for the last 2 minutes, then drain and proceed as directed. You may want to pat the broccoli dry if it releases extra moisture.
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Is there a dairy-free version of this casserole?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk and a good meltable dairy-free cheese. Use olive oil instead of butter and check that your stock doesn’t contain hidden dairy—easy!
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Can I make Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, then allow a few extra minutes of oven time since it’ll be cold when you start.
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What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
For juicy, shredded chicken, use two forks to pull apart cooked breasts or thighs while still warm. Rotisserie chicken is perfect—or you can quickly poach or roast your own if needed.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole as I am to share it! Whether you’re making it for a Sunday family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy bowl of cheesy goodness, I know it’ll become a staple at your table. Happy cooking and don’t forget to savor every creamy, veggie-packed bite!
Print
Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Made with whole-wheat pasta, tender broccoli florets, a creamy mushroom sauce, and shredded chicken, this casserole is baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces whole-wheat rotini pasta
Broccoli:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 1 pound)
Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Cook pasta until al dente. Add broccoli to the boiling water 1 minute before pasta is done. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Mushroom Sauce: Sauté onion, mushrooms, and garlic. Stir in flour, then add stock, milk, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Simmer and stir in 1 cup of cheese.
- Assemble and Bake: Combine pasta, broccoli, mushroom sauce, and chicken in a baking dish. Bake uncovered, then top with remaining cheese and bake until melted. Serve garnished with black pepper and herbs.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole with your favorite vegetables or protein.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
