Hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole

Name: Hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 2/3 cup chopped onion; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch cubes; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth; 1-1/2 cups chopped carrots; 3 celery ribs, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon dried savory; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon white pepper; 1-1/2 cups 2% milk; 1-1/4 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese; 8 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked and drained

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 15 min. YIELD: 8 servings.

I work at home while caring for our two children, so I have to be creative at mealtimes to fix something quick and nutritious that everyone enjoys. This homey casserole fits all the requirements." —Lori Gleason of Minneapolis, Minnesota

Ingredients

2/3 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1-1/2 cups chopped carrots
3 celery ribs, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried savory
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
1-1/4 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
8 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked and drained

Directions

1. In a large nonstick skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add chicken; cook and stir until no longer pink. Add the broth, carrots, celery and savory. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
2. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until melted. Pour over chicken mixture. Add noodles; mix well.
3. Transfer to a 3-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 343 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.