Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole Recipe
Creamy, cheesy, full-of-flavor and super satisfying! This cozy chickpea casserole hits all the right notes and makes the perfect comfort-food meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta I like to use chickpea rotini pasta to increase the protein
- 4 cups broccoli florets 1/2-inch to 1-inch in size
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 medium cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk I use full-fat unsweetened oat milk but 2% or whole milk work too
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
- 15 ounces chickpeas 1 can, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese about 6 ounces; shredded; divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and have an 8"x8" baking dish ready.
- Cook the pasta JUST TO AL DENTE, according to package directions. When the pasta has about 2 minutes left to cook, add the broccoli to the still-cooking pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set it aside.
- Set a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pot, then add the onions. Saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, thyme, dry mustard, and smoked paprika and cook, stirring continuously for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking continuously. Add the milk. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and broccoli, the drained can of chickpeas, and 2 cups of the cheese. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
- Pour the mixture into your baking dish and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar, spreading it evenly over the top.
- Bake until bubbly and the cheese is melted, 20-25 minutes. Serve.
Notes
Storage/reheating notes:
Cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm leftovers in the microwave or gently over the stovetop (you can add a splash of water or broth if needed).
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1g, Calories: 493kcal, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 69mg, Sodium: 865mg, Potassium: 412mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 1193IU, Vitamin C: 43mg, Calcium: 414mg, Iron: 5mg