Description
A wholesome and delicious Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole that combines whole wheat pasta, tender chicken, and roasted broccoli in a creamy cashew-based sauce, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a nutritious family meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces whole wheat rotini pasta (or any pasta)
- 3-4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Protein and Cheese
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 2 cups regular or vegan shredded cheese, divided
Cashew Sauce
- 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 your oven to 400°F (200°C). Begin boiling a pot of water for the pasta to cook later.
- Roast broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a 9×13 inch casserole dish, drizzle with avocado oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until tender and slightly roasted.
- Cook pasta: While the broccoli roasts, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make cashew sauce: In a bowl, whisk together cashew butter, cashew milk, chicken or vegetable broth, almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Assemble casserole: Add the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the prepared cashew sauce to the roasted broccoli in the casserole dish. Mix everything well to combine evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole back into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking before serving. Enjoy your healthy and comforting chicken broccoli pasta casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute whole wheat rotini with any other type of pasta you prefer.
- For a vegan version, use vegan shredded cheese and vegetable broth.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- If you don’t have almond flour, you can substitute with gluten-free flour or oat flour.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente since it will continue to bake in the oven.
