If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious dinner recipe, look no further than this 1 cup (236 g) Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake. With just 315 calories per serving, this recipe is the perfect choice for a healthy weeknight meal.
Not only is this recipe low in calories, it's also high in protein and fiber. Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for maintaining and building muscle. Broccoli is high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time.
In this article, we'll explore the ingredients and nutritional information of this recipe, as well as provide cooking instructions and variations to help you make this dish your own.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this healthy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake: - 2 cups (170 g) whole wheat penne pasta - 2 cups (300 g) broccoli florets
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (20 g) breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Calories per Serving
Each serving of this 1 cup (236 g) Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake contains approximately 315 calories.
Protein Content
This recipe is high in protein, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams of protein. Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle.
Carbohydrate Content
Each serving of this recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, which mainly come from the whole wheat pasta and broccoli.
Fat Content
This recipe is relatively low in fat, with each serving containing approximately 7 grams of fat. The majority of the fat comes from the addition of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
Sodium Content
If you're watching your sodium intake, you may want to limit your portion size of this recipe. Each serving contains approximately 620 milligrams of sodium.
Fiber Content
This recipe is high in fiber, with each serving containing approximately 7 grams of fiber. The majority of the fiber comes from the broccoli and whole wheat pasta.
Serving Size
The recommended serving size for this recipe is 1 cup (236 g), which contains approximately 315 calories.
Cooking Instructions
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake: 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Add the broccoli to the pasta in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
Variations
Here are some variations you can make to this Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake recipe: - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional white pasta.
- Use quinoa instead of pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Add some chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the recipe for extra nutrition.
- Top the recipe with some chopped herbs, such as basil or parsley, for added flavor.
Eating healthy doesn’t mean boring food. You can still enjoy your favorite meals, but with a healthier twist. This Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake recipe is the perfect example of a delicious and nutritious meal that you can enjoy any night of the week.
5 FAQs about Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake
1. What is in the Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake?
The Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake typically consists of pasta, chicken breast, broccoli, garlic, cream, and cheese. It can also include other ingredients such as onions and mushrooms.
2. Is the Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake healthy?
The Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake can be a nutritious meal if made with healthy ingredients such as whole-grain pasta, skinless chicken breast, and low-fat cheese. However, it can also be high in calories, fat, and sodium if made with traditional ingredients.
3. How many calories are in a cup of Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake?
A cup (236 g) of Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake typically contains approximately 315 calories. This can vary depending on the recipe and specific ingredients used.
4. How is the Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake made?
The Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake is made by cooking and shredding chicken breast, blanching broccoli and cooking pasta. The three ingredients are combined with garlic and cream in a baking dish and topped with cheese before being baked in the oven until hot and bubbly.
5. What are some variations of the Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake?
There are many variations of the Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake, including adding other vegetables such as peas or spinach, using different types of cheese, and incorporating different spices and herbs such as rosemary or thyme.