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.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Add the cooked macaroni and thawed peas to the mixing bowl. Stir until everything is coated evenly in the sauce.

Step 5

Transfer the macaroni and chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Lighter Chicken Macaroni Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1395.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2695.5

Total Fat 81.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 513.2mg	0%
Sodium 3763.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 246.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.5g	0%
Total Sugars 19.1g
Protein 248.1g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1659.1mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 2623.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.2%

Protein: 36.6%

Carbs: 36.3%