Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food makeover, this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a winner! With juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, melty cheddar, and a creamy sauce made from scratch, you get all that cozy, cheesy goodness—minus the heaviness. I promise, one bite and you’ll agree: healthy never tasted so nostalgic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of everyday ingredients make this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole shine! Each one has a job: broccoli for freshness, whole-wheat pasta for hearty bite, sharp cheddar for savory zip, and the easy homemade sauce for luscious creaminess—no shortcuts, but still totally approachable.

• Whole-wheat rotini (8 ounces): The twisty shape catches every drop of sauce, plus the whole grain keeps this dish extra-nourishing. Any favorite pasta works!
• Fresh broccoli (about 1 pound): Cut into bite-size florets, it adds both gorgeous color and satisfying crunch. Frozen works in a pinch!
• Butter or olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies for maximum flavor.
• Small white onion (thinly sliced): Gives a subtle sweetness and builds depth into your sauce.
• Baby bella (cremini) mushrooms (8 ounces): These create savory “meatiness” and soak up the garlicky flavors.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Absolutely essential for that inviting, homemade aroma!
• Flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken your sauce smooth and velvety, no lumps here.
• Chicken or vegetable stock (1 cup): Infuses the casserole with deep savory notes while keeping things light.
• Milk (1 1/2 cups): Keeps the sauce creamy—choose dairy or unsweetened plant-based based on preferences.
• Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Just enough to brighten everything up and bring balance.
• Fine sea salt & black pepper: These basics are musts for making every ingredient pop.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts into creamy ribbons plus gives you that golden, bubbly finish on top.
• Cooked chicken (2 cups, diced or shredded): A great way to use up leftovers or rotisserie chicken, for quick assembly.

Variations

The beauty of this casserole? It’s endlessly adaptable! Tweak the Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole to suit what’s in your fridge, or make it fit your family’s unique tastes and dietary needs with these clever swaps and twists:

• Vegetarian twist: Use veggie broth and chickpeas or white beans in place of chicken for a plant-based protein boost.
• Gluten-free option: Pick your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce.
• Switch up the veggies: Cauliflower, spinach, or even a mix of thawed frozen veggies work beautifully if you run out of broccoli.
• Add a crunchy topping: Sprinkle whole-grain breadcrumbs or sliced almonds on top before baking for a little extra texture and flair.

How to Make Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then drop in your pasta. About a minute before the pasta’s done, toss in the broccoli florets. This genius trick cooks the veggies just right—bright green and crisp-tender—while saving you a pot (and some dishwashing time!). Drain it all together and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, melt your butter (or swirl in olive oil) and toss in the sliced onion. After a couple minutes, add mushrooms and garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms have released their juices and everything smells absolutely heavenly—this step builds soul-warming flavor right at the start.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed veggies and stir it in, letting everything cook for a minute to banish any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in your stock until you have a smooth, thick base. In goes the milk, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring and let the sauce gently simmer, then stir in half the cheddar until you have a gorgeous, silky cheese sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Combine your cooked pasta, broccoli, cheesy mushroom sauce, and chicken in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Toss them together so every bite gets coated in that luscious sauce. Smooth the top into an even layer—almost there!

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake the casserole uncovered for about 15 minutes to heat everything through. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top and pop it back in the oven for 10 extra minutes, until you see that irresistible golden, bubbling cheese crust. Serve hot, and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

For a pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole with chopped fresh parsley, snipped chives, or even a little extra cracked black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, a squeeze of lemon or a dusting of grated Parmesan is a lovely touch!

Side Dishes

This casserole is a satisfying one-dish meal, but it absolutely loves a side salad tossed in light vinaigrette or some simply roasted carrots. For heartier appetites, serve with garlic bread or a grainy dinner roll to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking this casserole in individual ramekins for dinner-party-worthy portions, or spoon it into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for a fun, colorful twist. Leftovers also make a fantastic filling for wraps or stuffed baked potatoes—so many ways to enjoy it beyond the baking dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your leftover Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready to reheat for easy lunches or busy-night suppers.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool fully, then wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge for the easiest results before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions gently in the oven (covered with foil) at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or use the microwave for grab-and-go meals. Add a splash of milk if needed to keep it creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving that creamy, classic comfort but want something better for you, Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a must-try. I hope it brings warmth and big smiles to your table—don’t be surprised when it becomes a family favorite! Let me know how you serve and customize yours!

Print