Mccormack'S Choice Casserole
A hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and noodles in a creamy basil-infused gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles for 8 minutes; drain.
- Cook broccoli; drain.
- Mix creamed cottage cheese with egg.
- Prepare chickens in 6 cups water with celery, carrot, onion, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Remove meat from chickens; save broth.
- Prepare gravy by melting oleo and stirring in flour.
- Cook until smooth paste forms.
- Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, dried basil, and pepper; cook 1 minute.
- Slowly add 3 cups chicken broth, stirring until it comes to a boil.
- Combine cooked noodles, broccoli, shredded chicken, and gravy mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can substitute the creamed cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole makes a hearty main dish, perfect on its own or served with a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, pair it with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with Chicken, Red Beans And Rice Chili for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mccormack'S Choice Casserole contains roughly 408 calories, with 10g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 610mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the dry noodles with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta's package instructions to ensure they are cooked al dente before mixing them with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this casserole healthier, consider using whole grain noodles and low-fat cottage cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrients without compromising flavor. Using skinless chicken can further reduce the fat content in the dish.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).