Description
This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It features whole wheat pasta, roasted broccoli, and tender chicken, all coated in a creamy cashew sauce and topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta Casserole Ingredients:
8 ounces whole wheat rotini pasta (or any pasta)
3-4 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons avocado oil
3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
2 cups regular or vegan shredded cheese, divided
Cashew Sauce Ingredients:
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 prep: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Start boiling a pot of water for the pasta.
- Roast broccoli: Place broccoli florets in a 9×13 inch casserole dish and drizzle with avocado oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes.
- Cook pasta: While the broccoli is roasting, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make cashew sauce: Whisk together cashew butter, cashew milk, broth, almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble casserole: Add cooked pasta, chicken, 1 cup of cheese, and cashew sauce to the roasted broccoli. Mix well. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use different types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli.
- If you don’t have cashew butter, you can use almond butter or tahini instead.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 530kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
