Cheesy Chicken and Hidden Veggie Family Casserole

• 2 cups penne or elbow pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 small zucchini, finely shredded
• 1 medium carrot, finely shredded
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in shredded zucchini, carrot, and chopped spinach; cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
5. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and cheesy vegetable sauce in a large bowl. Mix well and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
8. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Chef tips

• Finely shredding the vegetables helps them blend seamlessly and stay hidden for picky eaters.
• Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber or gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions.
• If you want a creamier sauce, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or use a blend of milk and cream cheese.
• Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture; substitute with crushed crackers or omit for lower carbs.