Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole from Gimme Some Oven!

CHICKEN BROCCOLI CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS:

• Pasta: Literally any type of pasta that you love best will work here — traditional (semolina), whole-wheat, gluten-free, egg, or any other kinds of alternative-grain pastas that you prefer.
• Broccoli: You can either use fresh broccoli (about 1 large head, cut into florets) or frozen broccoli (about 1 pound) for this recipe.
• Mushrooms: I love the flavor of baby bella (cremini) mushrooms in this broccoli casserole recipe.  But any of your favorite mushrooms will do.
• Creamy sauce stuff: Butter (or olive oil), onion, garlic, flour, stock (chicken or veggie), milk (any kind), Dijon, salt and pepper.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: I really recommend buying a block of good-quality aged sharp cheddar for this recipe, and then shredding it yourself.
• Chicken: Any cooked chicken will work for this recipe!  You can use my favorite baked chicken breasts recipe or sauté two breasts in olive oil in a skillet until cooked through.  Or for a shortcut, feel free to shred a rotisserie chicken.

HOW TO MAKE THIS CASSEROLE:

To make this broccoli chicken casserole recipe, simply…

1. Cook the pasta and broccoli.  Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water (don’t forget to generously salt the water!) until it is al dente.  But — plot twist! — toss the broccoli florets into the water about 1 minute before the pasta is done cooking to give it a quick cook too.  Drain both.
2. Make the mushroom sauce. Meanwhile, we’ll work on the sauce.  Sauté the onion, followed by the mushrooms and garlic in butter (or oil) until softened.  Stir in some flour and let it cook for 1 minute (this will help to thicken the sauce).  Then add in the stock, milk, Dijon, salt and pepper, and cook until the sauce reaches a simmer.  Stir in half of the shredded cheese, taste, and adjust any seasonings as needed.
3. Put everything together.  In a large 9 x 13-inch baking dish, give everything a good toss — the cooked pasta, broccoli, mushroom sauce and chicken — until combined.
4. Bake.  Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.  Then remove pan from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole, and bake for 10 more minutes or until the cheese is nice and melty.
5. Enjoy! Serve nice and warm, garnished with extra black pepper and/or fresh herbs, if desired.

This recipe originally appeared on Gimme Some Oven.