This Healthy Chicken Fusilli Pasta Veggie Casserole is a nutritious and satisfying dish that combines cooked fusilli pasta, tender chicken, and a variety of vegetables. It’s a great option for weeknight dinners or meal prep, offering a balanced meal in one dish.
This recipe highlights the concept of a healthy pasta casserole, featuring a chicken veggie pasta bake that aligns with the popular pasta primavera idea. It’s perfect for those looking for chicken pasta recipes with veggies that are both delicious and healthy.
Nutritious Chicken Vegetable Pasta Bake
The Healthy Chicken Fusilli Pasta Veggie Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for those seeking a wholesome meal. This dish features layers of fusilli pasta intertwined with tender shredded chicken and a vibrant mix of vegetables, including broccoli, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
Designed as a healthy pasta casserole, this chicken veggie pasta bake is not only satisfying but also visually appealing. The colorful ingredients come together to create a dish that is both nutritious and delicious, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients That Shine
At the heart of this casserole are the fusilli pasta and lean chicken, complemented by an array of fresh vegetables. The broccoli florets add a crunch, while the diced bell peppers and sliced zucchini bring sweetness and color. Halved cherry tomatoes contribute a juicy burst of flavor, ensuring that every bite is enjoyable.
The creamy sauce, made with low-fat cream cheese and chicken broth, binds the ingredients together, creating a comforting texture. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this dish transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that is hard to resist.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing this chicken vegetable pasta bake is straightforward and can be accomplished in about 50 minutes. Start by cooking the fusilli pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. While the pasta cooks, mix the creamy sauce ingredients in a large bowl.
Once the pasta is ready, combine it with the cooked chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is well-coated in the sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of green and enhance the visual appeal. Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this Healthy Chicken Fusilli Pasta Veggie Casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate healthy chicken pasta recipes with veggies into your diet.
Nutritional Benefits
Each serving of this casserole provides a balanced meal, rich in protein and essential nutrients. With approximately 350 calories per serving, it offers a satisfying option without compromising on health.
The combination of chicken and vegetables ensures that you’re getting a variety of vitamins and minerals, making this dish a smart choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying delicious food.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this chicken pasta recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta. Spinach, kale, or even carrots can be great additions, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional profile.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap out the fusilli for a gluten-free pasta variety. This versatility makes the Healthy Chicken Fusilli Pasta Veggie Casserole a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.
Nutritious Chicken Vegetable Pasta Bake
This casserole is made with fusilli pasta, lean chicken, and an assortment of colorful vegetables, all baked together in a creamy sauce. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare and serves 6 people, making it an ideal choice for family meals or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the low-fat cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In the same bowl, add the cooked chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and cooked pasta. Stir until everything is well coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g