Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole

For this recipe, you will need 340g (12oz) (or 2 good sized chicken breasts) of cooked, shredded chicken. The chicken can be cooked ahead of time by boiling two chicken breasts in a pot of seasoned chicken broth for about 1 hour, or until the meat begins to fall apart.

Source

• http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/02/chicken-and-broccoli-noodle-casserole.html

Ingredients

• 170g (6oz) noodles
• 2 tsp oil
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced thin
• 340g (12oz) fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 14g (½oz) butter
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 15g (½oz) all purpose flour
• ¼ tsp cyanne pepper
• 420ml (1¾ cups) fat free chicken broth
• 240ml (1 cup) 1% milk
• 340g (12oz) cooked shredded chicken breast
• 115g (4oz) aged cheddar cheese
• cooking spray
• 25g (1oz) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 30g (1oz) breadcrumbs

Equipment

• 9 x 12 casserole dish
• Large skillet
• Large pot

Pre-heat

• Preheat the oven to 375°.

Preparation

1. If needed, cook chicken breasts.

In a large pot:

2. Cook noodles in salted water until al dente, or slightly undercooked by 2 minutes. Set aside.
3. Wash pot for later use.

Next, heat oil in a large skillet.

4. Add garlic and cook on medium heat until golden, about 1 minute.
5. Add the broccoli and a little salt, sauté and cover the broccoli for about 3 minutes on medium heat until the broccoli begins to soften. Set aside.
6. Lightly spray a 9 x 12 casserole dish with cooking spray.

In a large pot:

7. Melt butter over medium-low heat
8. Add the shallot and cook until soft, 2-3 minutes.
9. Add the flour and a pinch of salt and stir well, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat.
10. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until well combined over medium heat
11. Add the milk and bring to a boil.
12. Simmer on medium heat, mixing occasionally until mixture thickens (about 6-7 minutes).

Remove from heat:

13. Add cheddar cheese
14. Cyanne pepper
15. 1 tablespoon of the parmesan cheese
16. Mix well until the cheese melts.

Combine all:

• Chicken
• Broccoli
• Sauce

Pour into casserole dish:

17. Top with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
18. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.