Healthy Chicken Pasta Bake: A Nutritious and Flavorful Dish
A healthy chicken pasta bake is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is made with whole-wheat pasta, lean chicken, vegetables, and a light cheese sauce. This dish is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Ingredients:
* 1 pound whole-wheat pasta
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
* 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
* 1 cup chopped carrots
* 1 cup chopped celery
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, broccoli, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. In a separate saucepan, whisk together flour and milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted.
6. Drain pasta and add to the skillet with the vegetables and chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to combine.
7. Pour the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips:
* For a healthier version of this dish, use low-fat cheese and milk.
* You can add other vegetables to this dish, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
* This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
Conclusion:
A healthy chicken pasta bake is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is made with whole-wheat pasta, lean chicken, vegetables, and a light cheese sauce. This dish is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.