Broccoli Chicken Bake (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta and Vegetables
01 -
Chop up one big head of broccoli into small florets (about 1 pound)
02 -
8 ounces of whole wheat rotini or the noodle you like best, uncooked
→ Sauce
03 -
1 cup chicken broth or veggie broth
04 -
3 tablespoons plain flour
05 -
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 -
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
07 -
8 ounces cremini (baby bella) mushrooms, thinly sliced
08 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 -
1 1/2 cups milk
10 -
1 small white onion, sliced thin
11 -
4 garlic cloves, chopped up
12 -
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
→ Cheese and Protein
13 -
2 cups cooked chicken, either shredded or diced
14 -
2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded and split up (should be about 8 ounces all in)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Scoop out portions while they're still nice and hot. Sprinkle on some fresh herbs or a pinch more pepper if that's your thing.
02 -
Pop it in the oven with no cover for 15 minutes. Pull it out and toss the last bit of cheddar over the top. Slide it back into the oven for another 10 minutes so everything's gooey and bubbling.
03 -
Dump your noodles, quick-cooked broccoli, creamy mushroom sauce, and chicken into a big rectangular dish (9 by 13 inches). Stir everything around to mix well and smooth out the top.
04 -
Dust the veggies with flour and give it all a good stir. Let that cook for about a minute, then pour in your broth and stir so it smooths out. Next, add the milk, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Bring it up to a simmer, then turn off the heat. Stir in a cup of cheddar so it melts in nice and creamy. Taste and tweak with more salt or pepper if you'd like.
05 -
Heat your butter or oil in a sauté pan over medium-high. Toss in onion slices and cook for about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic, then cook another 5 minutes so the mushrooms get soft.
06 -
Fill a big pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Toss in pasta first. When there's about a minute left, throw in the broccoli. Drain them both and set aside.
07 -
Get your oven warming up to 400°F (204°C).
# Additional Tips:
01 -
You can swap in thawed frozen broccoli for fresh. Gluten-free noodles or other alternative pastas work fine if that's what you need.