Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with White Cheddar Sauce

Introduction

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. This dish combines tender chicken, nutrient-rich broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy white cheddar sauce. Topped with a golden-brown layer of bubbly cheese, it’s a hearty, filling meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is sure to satisfy cravings with its creamy texture and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dish to warm you up or a way to get kids to eat more vegetables, this cheesy chicken & broccoli casserole is the perfect solution.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups of cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 3 cups of broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups of uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

For the White Cheddar Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
• 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. If using fresh broccoli, steam it for about 5 minutes until it’s tender but still bright green. If using frozen, blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Make the White Cheddar Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes a light golden color.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Lower the heat and add the shredded white cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked pasta, sautéed onion, and minced garlic. Mix well.
2. Pour the creamy white cheddar sauce over the mixture, and gently fold until everything is well-coated.
3. Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Topping

1. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. If you like a crunchy topping, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the mozzarella layer.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. For an extra crispy top, turn the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
3. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

COOKING Note:

• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• For a healthier option, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese.
• You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
• If you like a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheddar sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color.
• Pair with a fresh green salad and a side of crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
• This casserole goes well with a glass of dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Tips:

• Make this dish ahead of time by assembling the casserole and refrigerating it overnight. Bake it the next day.
• If freezing, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with aluminum foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• For a creamier texture, use heavy cream instead of milk in the white cheddar sauce.
• Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top for a slightly smoky flavor.
• Always let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 40 minutes

Total Time:

• 1 hour

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 30g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 4g

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole with White Cheddar Sauce is a classic family-friendly dish that is both satisfying and flavorful. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish combines the savory flavors of chicken, cheese, and fresh vegetables into a comforting casserole that everyone will love. The creamy white cheddar sauce elevates the dish, making it both elegant and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a large group or looking to prepare a make-ahead meal, this casserole checks all the boxes for comfort and taste.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with White Cheddar Sauce

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 1 hour

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Ingredients

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For the Casserole:

• 2 cups of cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 3 cups of broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups of uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

For the White Cheddar Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
• 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. If using fresh broccoli, steam it for about 5 minutes until it’s tender but still bright green. If using frozen, blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Make the White Cheddar Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes a light golden color.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Lower the heat and add the shredded white cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked pasta, sautéed onion, and minced garlic. Mix well.
2. Pour the creamy white cheddar sauce over the mixture, and gently fold until everything is well-coated.
3. Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Topping

1. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. If you like a crunchy topping, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the mozzarella layer.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. For an extra crispy top, turn the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
3. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 620
• Sodium: 850mg
• Protein: 38g