Lighter Chicken Macaroni Casserole
Indulge in comfort food without the guilt with this Lighter Chicken Macaroni Casserole! Featuring hearty whole wheat macaroni, lean shredded chicken breast, and a creamy sauce made with low-fat Greek yogurt and reduced-fat sharp cheddar, this recipe is designed to satisfy your cravings while keeping things light. A touch of Dijon mustard and paprika adds depth, while thawed peas bring a pop of freshness. Topped with crispy whole wheat breadcrumbs, this healthier take on a classic casserole is baked to golden perfection. Ready in under an hour and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this nutritious dish is a family favorite you can feel great about serving.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 2 cups Cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- 1 cup Low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese (reduced-fat, shredded)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 cup Frozen peas (thawed)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, low-fat Greek yogurt, chicken broth, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add the cooked macaroni and thawed peas to the mixing bowl. Stir until everything is coated evenly in the sauce.
Transfer the macaroni and chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
In a small bowl, mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs and olive oil together until the crumbs are lightly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Lighter Chicken Macaroni Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2696 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.9 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.4 g | 167% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 513 mg | 171% | |
| Sodium | 3763 mg | 164% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 246.3 g | 90% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.5 g | 109% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.1 g | ||
| Protein | 248.1 g | 496% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1659 mg | 128% | |
| Iron | 19.7 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 2623 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
