Cremey Chicken and Vegetable Bake
This Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Bake is a wholesome one-dish meal that brings together tender diced chicken, vibrant vegetables, and whole wheat pasta in a rich, homemade white sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole combines nutrition with comfort. Packed with protein and fiber yet bursting with flavor, it's a family-friendly recipe that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Bake it to a golden perfection and serve it hot for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked chicken breasts
12 ounces (diced)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (none)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (none)
skim milk
10 ounces (none)
white pepper
1 pinch (none)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (grated)
whole wheat penne pasta
7 ounces (cooked)
yellow or orange bell peppers
2 (chopped)
zucchini
1 (chopped)
broccoli
12 ounces (chopped (about 2 heads))
Monterey Jack cheese
1/3 cup (shredded)
nonstick cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by making the creamy white sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is foaming, add the all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to avoid browning.
2
2. Gradually pour in the skim milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture begins to bubble. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3
3. Once thickened, add in the white pepper, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well incorporated and remove from heat.
4
4. Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions. In the last minute of cooking, add the chopped broccoli to the boiling water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together.
5
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spritz a 9x13 inch oven-proof casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
6
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, broccoli, diced cooked chicken, and chopped bell peppers and zucchini. Pour the creamy white sauce over the top and gently mix to combine.
7
7. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
8
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your delicious and healthy casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Bake?
It is a wholesome one-dish meal combining tender diced chicken, vibrant vegetables, and whole wheat pasta in a rich, homemade white sauce.
What are the main ingredients for the white sauce?
The sauce is made from unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, skim milk, white pepper, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of cooked chicken breasts, diced.
What type of pasta should be used?
You should use 7 ounces of whole wheat penne pasta.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake it for 20 minutes covered with foil, then an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
Which vegetables are included in this dish?
The bake includes broccoli, yellow or orange bell peppers, and zucchini.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
You need 12 ounces of chopped broccoli (about 2 heads) which is added to the boiling pasta water in the last minute of cooking.
What type of cheese is sprinkled on top?
1/3 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese is sprinkled on top before baking.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13 inch oven-proof casserole dish is recommended.
How do I prevent the flour from browning when making the sauce?
Whisk the flour into the melted butter continuously for about 1 minute without letting it brown.
What kind of milk is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 10 ounces of skim milk for the white sauce.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Add the grated Parmesan cheese once the white sauce mixture has thickened and begun to bubble.
How much Italian seasoning is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Is the chicken cooked before being added to the casserole?
Yes, the recipe requires diced cooked chicken breasts.
How many bell peppers are needed?
You will need 2 yellow or orange bell peppers, chopped.
What is the prep for the zucchini?
One zucchini should be chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
How long should the white sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 10 minutes after it begins to bubble to ensure it thickens.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, spritz the dish with nonstick cooking spray before adding the mixture.
What is the final texture of the cheese?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly after the final 10 minutes of baking.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What kind of pepper is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses a pinch of white pepper.
Can I serve this meal immediately?
It is recommended to let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly recipe that is easy to make and enjoy.
What is the main nutritional focus of this meal?
It is packed with protein and fiber while providing comfort through its creamy texture.
How do I handle the pasta and broccoli after boiling?
Drain the pasta and broccoli together after the broccoli has cooked for one minute in the boiling water.
How much flour is used for the roux?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
When is the white sauce added to the other ingredients?
Pour the sauce over the pasta, broccoli, chicken, and fresh vegetables in a large mixing bowl before transferring to the baking dish.
What color bell peppers are recommended?
Yellow or orange bell peppers are recommended for their vibrant color.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it uses skim milk, whole wheat pasta, and plenty of vegetables, making it a wholesome and healthy casserole.