Broccoli Chicken Casserole

i had chicken, i had broccoli, all i needed was a recipe to use them.  off to the internet i went.  have you ever heard of the internet?  it's pretty amazing.  i have a feeling it's going to be a big hit.  in my search, i came across this gem.  http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/02/chicken-and-broccoli-noodle-casserole.html.  seemed easy enough, and i had all the ingredients, or a suitable substitute.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole

6 oz egg noodles

2 tsp oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

12 oz broccoli florets

1 Tbsp butter

1 med onion, chopped

3 Tbsp all-purpose flour

2 c chicken broth

1 c milk

12 oz chicken breast, cooked and shredded

4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

3 Tbsp parmesan cheese, shredded

Cook noodles in salted water.  Heat oil in large skillet.  Add garlic and cook until golden, about 1 min.  Add the broccoli and a little salt, saute and cover the broccoli on medium heat until the broccoli begins to soften.  Set aside.  Preheat the oven to 375.  Lightly spray a 9 x 12 casserole with cooking spray.  In a large pot, melt butter and add the onion and cook until soft, 2-3 mins.  Add the flour and stir well, cooking an additional 2-3 mins.  Slowly whisk in chicken broth until well combined, then add the milk and bring to a boil.  Simmer on med heat, mixing occasionally until it thickens, about 6-7 mins.  Remove from heat and add cheddar cheese and 1 Tbsp parmesan.  Mix well until the cheese melts.  Add the chicken, noodles, and broccoli to the sauce and mix until evenly coated.  Pour into casserole dish and top with parmesan cheese.  Bake for 20-25 mins.

i thought this was pretty good.  some of the noodles on top got crispy in the oven, which was the best part.  mr. d liked it too.  although his review reminded me of my favorite 2-year-old.  this sweet girl loves to share whatever she's eating with you.  if you decline, she tells you, "but it's reelwee reelwee yummy!"  one night while she was gobbling up dinner, her grandma said to her, "is that really really yummy?"  so she thoughtfully said, "no, it's yummy, but not reelwee reelwee yummy."  mr. d. said that this casserole was good, but it would be delicious if it had peas in it.  when i asked if it's a recipe i should try again, he said, "only if you add peas."  so this might be on the blog again as Broccoli Peas Chicken Casserole.  we'll see.