This recipe creates a comforting and flavorful casserole, combining tender chicken mince with a rich tomato and cream sauce, a colorful vegetable medley, and perfectly cooked noodles. The dish is finished with a generous layer of melted cheese, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- This includes chopping vegetables, cooking the chicken, and preparing the sauce.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
- This includes simmering the sauce and baking the casserole.
Total Time: 1 hour
- This includes all preparation and cooking time.
Ingredients:
- 250g small noodles (penne, rotini, or similar)
- 400g chicken mince
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper (paprika), diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 200g tomato paste
- 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 500g cream (12% fat)
- 20g all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 100g grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Directions:
-
Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
-
Cook the Chicken Mince:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- Add the tomato paste, halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and salt to the skillet.
- Stir well and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the cream and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with a little bit of the cream sauce to create a slurry.
- Pour the flour slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken mince to the skillet and stir to combine.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the chicken and vegetable sauce.
- Pour the noodle mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
-
Bake the Casserole:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 4-6g
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:
Casseroles have a long history, particularly in American cuisine, as a convenient and comforting way to prepare meals. The combination of pasta, meat, and vegetables in a creamy sauce is a classic comfort food combination. This recipe draws inspiration from traditional casserole dishes while incorporating fresh vegetables and lean chicken mince for a healthier twist. The popularity of this dish stems from its simplicity, versatility, and the ability to feed a crowd. The use of readily available ingredients and the ease of preparation have contributed to its widespread appeal. Casseroles are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a comforting and satisfying meal.
- It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and cheeses.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
- It’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Health Benefits:
- Chicken mince is a lean protein source.
- Vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Cream, in moderation, adds richness and flavor.
- Noodles provide carbohydrates for energy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Pair with garlic bread or crusty bread.
- Enjoy as a comforting meal on a cold day.
Tips:
- Cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Use a good quality tomato paste for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Variations to Try:
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- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken mince and add more vegetables or plant-based protein.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Cheese Lovers Version: Use a blend of different cheeses for the topping.
- Mushroom Version: Add sliced mushrooms to the vegetable sauté.
- Spinach Version: Add fresh spinach to the sauce just before assembling the casserole.
Conclusion:
This creamy chicken mince noodle casserole with vegetable medley is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple preparation and customizable flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use ground beef instead of chicken mince?
- Yes, ground beef or turkey are great substitutes.
- Can I use different types of noodles?
- Yes, any short pasta shape will work well.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- How do I store leftover casserole?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze it. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use milk instead of cream?
- Yes, but the sauce will be less rich.
- How do I make the sauce thicker?
- Add more flour or cook the sauce longer to reduce it.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
- Ensure there is enough sauce and don’t overbake it.
- Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
- Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down to thicken the sauce.