Use rice instead of pasta – I’ve made this both ways and don’t have a preference it depends on what I have on hand when you use rice, substitute 3 cups of cooked brown rice for the pasta.Swap in a different cheese – Pepper Jack, mozzarella, and Monterey jack cheese are all tasty substitutes.Or, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, then leave out the meat altogether. It’s delicious with smoked sausage, Italian sausage, steak, shredded beef, or shredded pork. Switch or leave out the protein – This casserole is a great way to use up any leftover meat.Panko breadcrumbs and butter – for a crunchy buttery topping that sends this pasta bake over the top.Cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese or romano cheese, and cheddar cheese – this adds to the creaminess and also gives the sauce a delicious cheesy flavor.Chicken broth, milk, flour, and seasonings – are the foundation for the creamy homemade sauce.If you use fresh broccoli, I then blanch it before using it in the casserole This helps keep the flavor, color, and texture. Broccoli florets – To keep this recipe simple, I often use steam in-bag microwave broccoli.Even rotisserie chicken will work perfectly. You can also use leftover crockpot shredded chicken. For example, you can cook the chicken in the oven or on the stove and then chop it into pieces. Cooked chicken – This recipe calls for cooked chopped boneless skinless chicken breasts.I like using penne, rotini, medium shells, and elbow pasta in this recipe. Whole wheat pasta – Any short pasta will work.To make this chicken broccoli casserole, you’ll need these easy to find classic ingredients: I also did not have Romano cheese at the time I made it, and it was still tasty! I made it even easier to throw together by using up some chicken from a Costco rotisserie chicken. It was still very flavorful and creamy, but I didn’t feel guilty eating it. “This was delicious! I appreciate the healthier sauce base of chicken broth and 1% milk. Even better, you can make a couple of pans to freeze for future dinners. Or assemble the ingredients 2-3 days ahead of time to pop in the oven after work. You can make this chicken broccoli pasta bake on Sunday to warm up for dinners during the week. With a few tweaks, this comforting recipe can easily be a part of your weekly meal plans. Often, pasta bakes and casseroles are seen as off-limits when eating more nutritious. Not this one! This creamy cheese sauce is made from scratch – no processed ingredients in sight! But, don’t worry, it’s easy to make. If you’re an 80s kid (like me), then you probably have fond memories of mom breaking out condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup to make this delicious casserole. It’s one of those recipes that I grew up eating and look forward to making when I want a comforting classic. I’ve been making this chicken broccoli casserole for years. Some of our favorites include Cheeseburger Macaroni, Baked Ziti, Pizza Pasta Bake, Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese, and this Chicken Broccoli Bake. Pasta bakes have always been a favorite in my house. You’re by no means obligated to use my links but, if you do, thank you for supporting Organize Yourself Skinny. I am an affiliate for Amazon Associates and other brands and earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.
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