High-Protein Dijon Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

High-Protein Dijon Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is tasty. We require very simple components that we get easily from any store. It has whole-wheat penne, broccoli, heavy cream, whole milk, cream cheese, fresh herbs, ranch seasoning, Dijon mustard, chicken breast, whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs, butter, and simple seasonings. This casserole has dairy items in it, so use the vegan alternatives if you have an allergy. This dish prepares in 55 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner or lunch. You can easily store this High-Protein Dijon Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Casserole for some time in both the fridge and the freezer, so it is good for meal prep. Serve this casserole with spinach salad, garlic bread, & tomato soup to make it more flavorful and satisfying.

STATS:

Caloric count: 485 kcal
Duration for Cooking: Twenty minutes
Diet: High-Protein
Portion size: 1½ cups
Duration for Cooking: Thirty-five minutes
Cuisine: American
Total Duration: Fifty-five minutes
Course: Dinner
Portions: 8

TOOLS:

Large pot
Colander
Large saucepan
Whisk
Mixing spoon
9×13-inch baking dish
Small skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Oven
Chef’s knife

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups whole-wheat penne
Six cups broccoli florets
Two cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
Four ounces cream cheese
⅓ cup chopped fresh dill, chives, parsley, or a mixture
1 (1-ounce) envelope ranch seasoning mix
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
⅓ cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs
Additional fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

INGREDIENT NOTES:

WHOLE-WHEAT PENNE:

We utilize the whole-wheat penne to make this casserole. It will make the dish more filling, add fiber, and also offer more nutrients than regular pasta. We have to cook it just until al dente so it continues cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.

BROCCOLI:

We utilize the broccoli to add fiber, vitamins, and fresh color to the casserole. It also adds a slight bite that pairs well with the creamy sauce. We have to cut the florets into even-sized pieces to ensure a uniform cooking process.

HEAVY CREAM & WHOLE MILK:

We add the heavy cream and whole milk to make the sauce rich, creamy, and smooth. The heavy cream provides richness while the whole milk lightens the sauce without sacrificing creaminess.

CREAM CHEESE:

We add the cream cheese to make the sauce silky, creamy, and flavorful. It also offers additional protein in the casserole. We have to soften it before adding so it melts smoothly into the sauce.

FRESH HERBS:

We utilize the fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives to add a bright, fresh flavor to the casserole. They pair beautifully with the ranch seasoning and Dijon mustard.

RANCH SEASONING:

We add the ranch seasoning to give this casserole its signature savory flavor. It contains herbs, garlic, onion, and spices that season the sauce without requiring multiple additional seasonings.

DIJON MUSTARD:

We utilize the Dijon mustard to add a subtle tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.

CHICKEN BREAST:

We utilize the cooked chicken breast to make this casserole. It will add lean protein while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.

BUTTER:

We add the butter to coat the panko breadcrumbs so they brown evenly during baking. It will include indulgent flavor and makes the dish looks rich.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat the oven at 190° C & place the paper parchment on dish.
Now boil the big pot of salted water and add the whole wheat penne and cook till it gets soft.
Then add the broccoli florets in the last 2 minutes then drain the pasta and broccoli and put them aside.
Add the whole milk, cream cheese, seasonings, and heavy cream in the big sauce pan and mix.
Cook the sauce on moderate flame by mixing it continuously till the cream cheese melts and sauce gets thick.
Add the chopped herbs and mix.
Then include the chicken, broccoli, and pasta in the sauce and mix everything till combine and add the mixture in tray.
Add the butter in breadcrumbs and mix then sprinkle in on the casserole.
Now bake the casserole for twenty-five to thirty minutes till it gets bubbly and golden.
Sprinkle the fresh herbs & serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

FRESH SALADS:

Spinach Salad
Cucumber Salad
Arugula Salad

VEGETABLES:

Roasted Asparagus
Garlic Green Beans
Steamed Broccoli

BREAD:

Garlic Bread
Whole-Grain Dinner Rolls
Sourdough Bread

SOUPS:

Broccoli Soup
Chicken Vegetable Soup
Creamy Mushroom Soup

GRAIN SIDES:

Quinoa
Brown Rice
Wild Rice

LIGHT SIDES:

Pickled Vegetables
Cottage Cheese
Greek Yogurt Dip

BEVERAGES:

Lemon Water
Iced Tea
Cucumber Mint Drink

TIPS:

Properly cook the pasta till just tender to avoid them to get mushy.
Thoroughly drain the broccoli to prevent the addition of extra moisture.
Add the rotisserie chicken in casserole to save time.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

Place the slices in the box & stock for four days.

FREEZER:

Prepare the slices & place them in the box and freeze for three months.

FAQs:

Would I add rotisserie chicken to prepare the casserole?

Yes, we would easily utilize the rotisserie chicken for this purpose; it will save time and more convenient for us as well.

Could I include other varieties of vegetables as well?

Yes, we can add the cauliflower, green beans, peas, spinach, and asparagus in the casserole. It will become more delicious & healthy.

How would we include extra protein in the casserole?

We can include extra chicken, or Greek yogurt to include extra protein in it.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Fiber: 5 g

Protein: 31 g

Net Carbs: 34 g

Total Fat: 23 g

Calcium: 0.28 g

Total Carbs: 39 g

Iron: 0.003 g

Vitamin A: 0.00018 g

Sodium: 0.72 g

Potassium: 0.62 g

Serving Size: 1½ cups

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 8