Healthier?

Tonight's fare is from EatingWell, which promised "Healthier in a Hurry." So let's review.

While I believe this recipe is meant to replace things like Hamburger Helper or some other pre-packaged sodium-fest, I don't know that I buy that this is super-healthy. You be the judge. I'm not a nutritionist, nor do I play one on TV.

I feel like this recipe was a little high in calories and sodium to qualify as healthy. And while it does include the super of all foods - broccoli - as a main ingredient - we def could have upped the nutritionals with more veggies. Plus, it was not specific enough (or at all) with serving size,which in my world leads to bigger-than-needed portions.

That being said, the "Hurry" part of this scenario certainly fit the bill. This was a snap to prepare - the only heavy lifting I had to do was cut up my chicken into chunks. And shoo off the dog, who was nipping at my heels for a teeny bit of chicken.

#DevProblems

Stovetop Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
Source: EatingWell, I think March 2012 but I'm not sure

Ingredients:

• 8oz whole wheat egg noodles
• 1 14oz can reduced sodium chicken broth (used no salt added)
• 1 pound boneless chicken, cut into little chunks
• 1 14-16oz package frozen broccoli
• 1.5c skim milk
• 1/2c. reduced fat mayo
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1.5 tsp dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5c shredded cheese

Directions:

• Place noodles in a large skillet. Pour broth over the noodles. Layer chicken then broccoli over the noodles.
• Whisk milk through garlic powder in a medium bowl. Pour over broccoli.
• Bring to a simmer over med-high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook, 15-18 mins. Stir every once in a while.
• When casserole is done, sprinkle cheese on top and broil lightly until browned, approx. 3 mins.

Yield: 6 servings
Per serving: 446 cals; 15g fat (7g sat, 4g mono); 75mg chol; 41g carbs; 33g protein; 6g fiber; 662mg sodium

Reviews:
Despite my grousing about the health benefits, this meal was delish. While the hubs managed to pick out every last piece of broccoli from his serving, the kid and I savored our green goodness. It probably didn't need as much cheese as the recipe called for, but honestly - I love cheese and wasn't going to cut that down. We all liked the entire thing - it was warm and comforting and very filling. And probably not the healthiest.

Ranking:
Three Forks

Cheese