April 17, 2020

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

We just can’t get enough of this Chicken Broccoli Casserole – it is on our menu at least 1 time per week. The classic combination of chicken and broccoli is perfect – I am sure your kids will enjoy it as well and they will even ask for more!

You can make it with your own choice of pasta – penne, rigatoni, farfalle, fusilli or whatever you have in the pantry. You can even use colorful pasta and the kids will love it even more. They will not only be excited about eating dinner, but they’ll be thrilled to help you make it.

Moreover, you can also use baby broccoli florets because they’re the perfect size for the little ones to eat without even cutting them!

So, come on guys, let’s make some chicken broccoli casserole!

Start with the basics.

First, you need to cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until it is al dente. A pinch of salt in the water is also needed. Add the broccoli florets into the same pot about 1 minute before the pasta is done cooking to give it a quick cook too. As soon as you are done cooking, drain both and set aside.

Continue with preparing the sauce. Heat the butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and sauté for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the onion is cooked through.

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until combined. Cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add in the chicken stock. Time for the milk, Dijon, salt, and pepper – add them as well and stir until combined. Continue cooking the sauce until it reaches a simmer.

Remove the pan and add in the shredded cheese until it is well- combined.

*If you’d like, you can make a bechamel sauce instead. This white sauce is perhaps the most commonly used for home cooks. It is also the secret to truly creamy casseroles. I will soon add a very simple bechamel sauce recipe. Stay tuned (wink).

Put everything together in a large 9 x 13-inch baking dish/pan, give everything a good toss until very-well combined.

Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle with some cheese on top of the casserole and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Serve warm, garnished with extra black pepper and/or fresh herbs, if desired.