Description
This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is a wholesome, comforting meal that combines whole wheat pasta, roasted broccoli, tender chicken, and a creamy cashew-based sauce. Perfectly baked with a cheesy topping, it’s a nutritious and delicious dish that serves the whole family in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Protein
- 3–4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
Pasta
- 8 ounces whole wheat rotini pasta (or any pasta)
Oils & Fats
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Cheese & Dairy Alternatives
- 2 cups regular or vegan shredded cheese, divided
- 3/4 cup unsweetened plain cashew milk (or almond milk)
- 1/2 cup creamy cashew butter
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Flours & Thickeners
- 1/4 cup almond flour
Spices & Seasonings
- 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). Meanwhile, start boiling a pot of water for the pasta to cook.
- Roast Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Drizzle with avocado oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until slightly tender and lightly browned.
- Cook Pasta: While the broccoli is roasting, cook the whole wheat rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Make Cashew Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the creamy cashew butter, unsweetened cashew milk, chicken or vegetable broth, almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Remove the roasted broccoli from the oven and add in the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the prepared cashew sauce. Mix everything thoroughly to combine. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with tofu or another plant-based protein to make this casserole vegetarian.
- Using vegan cheese and plant-based broth will keep the dish dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
- If you don’t have almond flour, you can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling as it will cook further in the oven.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or thyme before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
