Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheddar sauce come together with perfectly cooked pasta and a golden baked cheese topping, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 3/4 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Vegetables and Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot, cooking them until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the cubed chicken breasts, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Stir in the butter, fresh thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and the spices are toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add the short cut pasta and chopped broccoli florets. Season with additional salt and pepper. Stir frequently, cooking until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Assemble: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese into the pot. If your pot is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Evenly scatter the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and beginning to brown. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh thyme and basil if desired.
Notes
- To avoid overcooking the pasta, check frequently during the cooking stage and adjust the time based on your pasta type.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper to your taste.
- For a creamier texture, use whole milk or add a splash of heavy cream.
- Fresh herbs such as thyme and basil add a fragrant finish; substitute with dried herbs if unavailable but use less volume.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; refrigerate and bake just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
