Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella

Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella: A Comforting Delight

Imagine a dish that brings the warmth of nostalgia and the comfort of home-cooked meals right to your table. The Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella is exactly that—a scrumptious concoction that envelops tender, juicy chicken, vibrant asparagus, and ooey-gooey melted cheese in a creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe is a quick, kid-friendly solution for busy weeknights, yet feels warm and indulgent, reminiscent of family gatherings. The goodness of fresh ingredients melds beautifully, creating a delightful experience that’s not just about the meal, but the moments shared with those you love.

What’s Your Go-To Comfort Dish?

Do you have a favorite dish that you turn to when you want to be enveloped in comfort? Is it a steaming bowl of mac and cheese or perhaps a hearty lasagna? Imagine the joy of savoring each bite, feeling the warmth spread from your belly to your heart. The Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella offers just that kind of irresistible delight. Can you picture yourself gathering around the table, digging into this creamy casserole while laughter fills the air?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s no shortage of reasons to love this Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella:

• Easy Prep: With minimal chopping and straightforward steps, this casserole comes together quickly, making it a great choice for any night of the week.

• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, you can enjoy this dish guilt-free.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this casserole will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

• Versatile Base: You can customize it based on what’s in your pantry—rice or pasta can serve as a flavorful foundation.

Ingredients

Let’s gather everything you need to make this delectable Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed, reflecting tender goodness.

• 1 tbsp olive oil, for sautéing to perfection.

• 1 tsp salt, elevating flavors.

• ½ tsp black pepper, for just the right kick.

• ½ tsp garlic powder and ½ tsp onion powder, providing a savory foundation.

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces, adding crunch and color.

• 1 cup cooked white rice or cooked penne pasta (optional), for additional texture.

• 2 tbsp butter, creating a rich, creamy base.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, for thickening the sauce.

• 1 cup chicken broth, the delicious liquid gold that brings everything together.

• 1 cup whole milk and ½ cup heavy cream, for the ultimate creamy texture that makes your taste buds dance.

• ½ tsp dried basil, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, and ½ tsp paprika, giving the dish a fragrant lift.

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), for an added kick.

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, the melt-in-your-mouth topping.

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for that final touch of richness and flavor.

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish, brightening up your dish with color.

Timing

This Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella offers a delightful blend of fast and indulgent. It’s the kind of meal that can go from stove to oven in under an hour, yet it immerses you in a luxurious experience once it’s served. Imagine the anticipation as it bakes, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked. Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to penetrate the air. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream while stirring continuously. Sprinkle in the basil, Italian seasoning, paprika, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. If you’re using rice or pasta, spread it evenly along the bottom of the dish. Layer the sautéed chicken and asparagus over this base. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the entire dish, ensuring every bite is coated. Next, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the top.

4. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. For an extra touch, broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a bubbly, gooey finish.

5. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley to elevate the dish’s look and taste.

Nutritional Information

This delightful Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella isn’t just delicious; it’s also super satisfying. On average, each serving contains approximately 450 calories, delivering a comforting dish that feels indulgent without the guilt. Enjoying this recipe occasionally fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle without compromising flavor.

Healthier Alternatives

If you want to make your Chicken Casserole a tad lighter, consider these simple swaps:

• Replace the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.

• Use low-fat cheese or nut-based cheese for a plant-based option.

• Substitute the white rice or pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbs while adding more nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering how to make your dinner even more enticing? Serve this Chicken Casserole with a side of crispy green salad or steamed vegetables for a burst of freshness. For a special occasion, pair it with a glass of white wine and finish off your meal with a comforting dessert like a warm chocolate lava cake.

Common Mistakes

To ensure success with your Chicken Casserole, keep these common pitfalls in mind:

• Overbaking: It can lead to a dry casserole. Keep an eye on the cheese; you want it melted and golden but not rubbery.

• Texture Issues: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when sautéing the chicken. Cooking in batches allows for even cooking and a better texture.

• Messes: Use a large enough pan to prevent spills and splatters when mixing the creamy sauce.

Storing Tips

Planning to enjoy those leftovers later? Here’s how to best store your Chicken Casserole:

• Freezing Portions: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then divide it into individual portions and store in airtight containers before freezing. It can last up to 3 months.

• Reheating Instructions: Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave until warm.

Tempted to Bake It ASAP?

The rich, creamy Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella is simply irresistible. With every bite, you’ll feel the warmth of comfort food that speaks to the heart. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that’ll have you reaching for seconds.

So, don’t wait too long—gather your ingredients and bake your very own casserole masterpiece today!

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken?
   Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great time-saver and can add even more flavor to the casserole.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare everything in advance, assemble it, and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

3. What can I substitute for asparagus?
   If you’re not a fan of asparagus, you can replace it with broccoli, green beans, or any vegetable of your choice.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?
   To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour for the roux and ensure your broth and cheese are also gluten-free.

5. How long can I store the leftovers?
   Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Dive into this culinary adventure and make your Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella soon! It’ll undoubtedly become a beloved dish in your home!

Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella

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• Author: melonrecipes
• Total Time: 45
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

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Description

A comforting chicken casserole with asparagus and melted mozzarella that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup cooked white rice or cooked penne pasta (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked. Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream while stirring continuously. Sprinkle in the basil, Italian seasoning, paprika, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. If you’re using rice or pasta, spread it evenly along the bottom of the dish. Layer the sautéed chicken and asparagus over this base. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the entire dish, ensuring every bite is coated. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the top.
4. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Broil for 1-2 minutes, if desired, for a bubbly finish.
5. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For healthier alternatives, consider substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt and using low-fat cheese.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 30
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 85mg