Saturday, August 9, 2008

CHICKEN, BROCCOLI AND GARLIC PASTA CASSEROLE

CHICKEN, BROCCOLI AND GARLIC PASTA
CASSEROLE
3 oz. cooked penne or small tube shaped noodles
Salt and pepper
3 c. steamed, chopped broccoli
2 1/2 tbsp. butter
1 c. chopped onion
2 cloves chopped garlic
3 tbsp. flour
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 1/2 c. chicken broth
1 1/2 c. whole milk
1 bay leaf
3/4 lb. chicken breast tenders (I boiled a couple boneless thighs and then shredded them)
Pinch nutmeg
2 tbsp. chopped parsley (I used some chopped swish chard from the garden)
1/2 c. cottage cheese (I didn't have any on hand)
3 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
In large bowl put cooked pasta and broccoli. Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a sauce pan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and flour; cook for 1 minute. Stir in thyme and then slowly whisk in the broth and milk. Add bay leaf, bring to boil, reduce heat and cook gently for 10 minutes. (Here is where I added the swish chard and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes) Add chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until chicken is barely cooked through. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper and nutmeg. Add to the bowl with the pasta and broccoli along with parsley and stir until mixed. Put casserole into oiled 11 1/2 x 8 inch baking dish. Dot with cottage cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake for about 20 minutes until heated through and the top is lightly browned.

I made this today for lunch. It had good flavor. Great way to stretch your chicken.

You might also like this chicken breast dinner or this chicken and stuffing dish.  I make them both about once every month or so.

2 comments:

Epps Clan said...

Hi Elaine
Quick intro of who I am...Lindsay Williams' sister; graduated with your brother Paul; friend of Becky and Joy. Anyway...I tried your Apricot Chicken recipe last night and it WAS delish! Everyone liked it. I used the apricot jam. One question..what do you set your oven at? You didn't have a temp. written down so I just did it at 35o and it seemed to work.
Thanks for the yummy recipe! I'm looking forward to trying the Chicken and Stuffing Bake in the next couple of weeks.
Stacey (Williams) Epps

Epps Clan said...

Hi Elaine
On the Chicken and Stuffing Bake, are you supposed to make up the stuffing (according to the package directions) first or just pour all of the stuffing ingredients in with the soup, water, celery, and onion?
Thanks!
Stacey