Whole Wheat Pasta Bake

Name: Whole Wheat Pasta Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked whole wheat spiral pasta; 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 medium zucchini, chopped; 1/4 cup chopped onion; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream; 3/4 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; TOPPING:; 1 cup dry whole wheat bread crumbs; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon salt

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 25 min. YIELD: 4 servings.

With a casserole this rich and saucy, it’s tempting to skip the crunchy topping and dip a fork straight into the skillet. But as one taster noted: “The bread crumbs on top make this one extra special.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked whole wheat spiral pasta
1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
3/4 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
TOPPING:
1 cup dry whole wheat bread crumbs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute chicken in 1 tablespoon butter until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm.
2. In the same skillet, saute zucchini and onion in remaining butter. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Stir in cheese and Italian seasoning until cheese is melted; add chicken.
3. Drain pasta; add to cheese mixture. Transfer to a greased 8-in. square baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, butter, Italian seasoning and salt; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 849 calories, 50g fat (30g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 1582mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 7g fiber), 39g protein.