Chicken & Broccoli Cannelloni is a delightful recipe that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy tomato sauce, all wrapped in comforting cannelloni pasta. Originally featured in a Milk calendar, this dish may seem elaborate at first glance, but it’s surprisingly easy to assemble, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
To recreate this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 can (about 14 oz) plum tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 lb chicken, cooked and diced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 cannelloni pasta tubes
Nutritional Information:
Each serving of this Chicken & Broccoli Cannelloni provides approximately 373.4 calories, with 25.9g of fat (15.9g saturated), 74.1mg of cholesterol, 453.6mg of sodium, 23.5g of carbohydrates, 3.8g of fiber, 6g of sugar, and 14.9g of protein. It serves 6 people.
Cooking Instructions:
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Prepare the Tomato Cream Sauce:
- Melt 1/3 cup of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 1/3 cup of flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid browning.
- Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Whisk in the pureed plum tomatoes, season with salt and pepper to taste, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Set aside.
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Prepare the Chicken & Broccoli Filling:
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until tender.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until any moisture evaporates.
- Stir in the cooked diced chicken, chopped broccoli, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in 1 cup of the prepared tomato cream sauce and stir until everything is well combined. Set aside.
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Assemble the Cannelloni:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the cannelloni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Carefully fill each cooked cannelloni tube with the chicken and broccoli mixture.
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Bake the Cannelloni:
- Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining tomato cream sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
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Final Baking:
- Bake the assembled cannelloni, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown on top.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the cannelloni from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot as a hearty main dish.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the cannelloni tubes are properly cooked but still firm before filling them to prevent them from becoming too mushy during baking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- You can customize the filling by adding spinach or other vegetables according to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
This Chicken & Broccoli Cannelloni recipe not only promises a delicious meal but also invites you to enjoy the process of cooking, making it a perfect choice for sharing with loved ones or impressing guests. With its creamy sauce, hearty filling, and satisfying pasta, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
