Tempt My Tummy Tuesday…. Broccoli, Chicken, and Pasta Casserole

Thank you for joining me for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.  I know you will be inspired by all the wonderful recipes linked up!

I have to start today by telling you I am munching on my favorite snack at this very moment – roasted red pepper hummus!  It is so yummy to use as a dip for crackers, raw veggies, pretzels – you get the idea.  YUM! Okay, I know that was random – but I am hungry and wanted to tell you what I was eating! 

NOW, for today’s recipe.  I found this recipe when searching on www.cooking.com.  Of course, I made a few changes to make it my own by deleting breadcrumbs and adding chicken.  We loved it at my house and I think you will as well.

Broccoli, Chicken, and Pasta Casserole

• 

  Broccoli, Chicken, and Pasta Casserole

  1-2 cups cooked chicken, but in bite sized pieces

• 1 head broccoli (1 pound), cut into florets, stems peeled and cup into 1/2 inch pieces
• 8 ounces whole-wheat fusilli pasta
• 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 Tbsp plus 1 1/2 tsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• 4 cups skim milk
• 1/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese, pureed
• 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup)
• Coarse salt and ground pepper

1. Preheat oven 425.  Cook broccoli in a large pot of boiling water until slightly tender, about 2 minutes.  Transfer to a bowl using a slotted spoon, reserving water in pot.  Add pasta to water, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.  Drain.
2. Add oil and onion to a clean pan over medium heat.  Saute, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 7 minutes.  Add flour and ground mustard.  Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minutes.   Whisk in the milk in a slow, steady stream.  Bring to a boil.  Cook, whisking, for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Add cheeses and 1 tsp salt.  Season with pepper.
3. Stir in broccoli, pasta, and chicken.  Transfer to a 8 1/2 x 11 inch baking dish.  Bake until bubbling and top, about 25-30 minutes.

The original recipe did not have chicken and it also called for topping the dish with whole wheat bread crumbs.  The breadcrumbs would have been a nice touch. I just omitted it from my recipe.  Try it either way – both will be great!

Now, what’s cookin’ in your kitchen?