Creamy Chicken Vermicelli Bake
Indulge in the delightful Creamy Chicken Vermicelli Bake, a comforting and satisfying one-dish meal inspired by Holly Clegg's Trim and Terrific Freezer Friendly Meals. This lighter version retains all the flavor while cutting back on the calories, making it a healthier option for busy families. Using leftover chicken or a convenient rotisserie chicken from your local deli, this dish is perfect for whipping up ahead of time and enjoying later. Customize it with your choice of vegetables; mushrooms make a tasty addition! The creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory chicken meld into a delicious bake your family will love, ensuring comfort food doesn't have to be heavy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Thin spaghetti or vermicelli
16 ounces (break into 3 or 4-inch pieces)
Green bell pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Minced garlic
1 tablespoon
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
Diced tomatoes with green chilies
10 ounces (1 can)
Skim milk
2 cups
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon
Frozen green peas
1 cup
Cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts
32 ounces (cubed (approximately 4 cups))
Shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
12 ounces ((about 1.5 cups))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Break the pasta into 3 to 4-inch pieces. Cook according to the package directions for al dente, then drain and set aside.
3
In a large non-stick pot coated with non-stick cooking spray, sauté the chopped green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine, cooking for an additional minute.
5
Gradually add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), skim milk, and Worcestershire sauce while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing it to thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
6
Lower the heat and fold in the frozen green peas, stirring well to combine and heat through.
7
Add the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, and shredded cheese to the pot, mixing until everything is well combined and heated through.
8
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 3-quart baking dish (like a 9x13 pan), spreading it out evenly.
9
For immediate serving, bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
10
To freeze for later use, ensure the dish is completely cooled to room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, label it with the date, and freeze.
11
To prepare after freezing, remove the dish from the freezer and allow it to defrost fully in the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake for 30-40 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Vermicelli Bake?
It is a comforting and satisfying one-dish meal inspired by Holly Clegg's Trim and Terrific Freezer Friendly Meals, featuring a lighter creamy sauce, chicken, and pasta.
How do I make a healthier version of this dish?
This recipe is already a lighter version that uses skim milk and reduced-fat cheddar cheese to cut back on calories while retaining flavor.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use leftover chicken or a convenient rotisserie chicken from your local deli.
What type of pasta is best for this bake?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of thin spaghetti or vermicelli.
How should I prepare the pasta?
Break the pasta into 3 to 4-inch pieces and cook it according to package directions for al dente before draining.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be prepared ahead of time and frozen for later use.
What vegetables can I add to this dish?
The recipe includes green bell pepper, onion, and frozen peas. You can also customize it by adding mushrooms.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the sauce base?
Sauté green bell pepper, onion, and garlic, then sprinkle with flour and gradually add tomatoes with juices, skim milk, and Worcestershire sauce.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should use the diced tomatoes with their juices to help create the sauce.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
The mixture should thicken in about 3-5 minutes after bringing it to a gentle boil.
When do I add the frozen peas?
Lower the heat and fold in the frozen green peas after the sauce has thickened, stirring to heat through.
What size baking dish do I need?
Use a lightly greased 3-quart baking dish, such as a 9x13 pan.
How long do I bake it if I am serving it immediately?
Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden.
How do I wrap the dish for the freezer?
Ensure the dish is completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
What should I include on the freezer label?
You should label the dish with the date it was prepared.
How do I prepare the dish after it has been frozen?
Remove it from the freezer and allow it to defrost fully in the refrigerator before baking.
What is the baking time for a previously frozen dish?
Once thawed, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 32 ounces of cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, which is approximately 4 cups cubed.
How much cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, which is about 1.5 cups.
What is the role of Worcestershire sauce?
It is added to the sauce mixture to provide a savory depth of flavor.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Is there any salt or pepper in the recipe?
Yes, you should add salt and black pepper to taste during preparation.
How do I sauté the vegetables?
Use a large non-stick pot coated with non-stick cooking spray over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 2 cups of skim milk.
Does the recipe include chilies?
Yes, it uses a 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While the recipe calls for reduced-fat cheddar, you can customize it with your preferred shredded cheese.
Is this a good meal for busy families?
Yes, because it can be made ahead of time and is a complete one-dish meal.
Who is the original inspiration for this dish?
The recipe is inspired by Holly Clegg's 'Trim and Terrific Freezer Friendly Meals'.
What is the final texture of the dish?
It results in a creamy sauce with tender pasta and savory chicken for a comforting finish.