Ingredients
Scale
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup brown rice
- 1 cup chopped leftover chicken
- 1 cup frozen broccoli, thawed and chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
For the creamy pesto cheese sauce:
- 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 of a sweet onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 oz. light cream cheese
- 1 Tablespoon pesto (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan or Gouda cheese, plus more for the top
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute (or your favorite no-salt seasoning), to taste
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package directions.
- While the rice is cooking, chop the chicken and veggies, then start the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil, then the onions. Saute until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic until fragrant, then stir in the cornstarch. Once the cornstarch has coated the onions, pour in the milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Pour the sauce into a mini food processor or blender cup. Add the cottage cheese, cream cheese and 1 Tablespoon pesto. Blend until mostly smooth. Pour the sauce back into the pan and add the shredded cheese and seasonings. Cook briefly until the cheese is melted. Season to taste with added pesto (if desired), seasonings, salt & pepper.
- Stir together the cooked rice, chicken, veggies and sauce in a casserole pan. Top with extra shredded cheese. Bake at 400 F. for 15 – 25 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned on top. Top with sliced toasted almonds and enjoy!
Notes
RECIPE SOURCE: Sumptuous Spoonfuls – https://www.sumptuousspoonfuls.com/ … © Copyright 2024, Sumptuous Spoonfuls. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to publish any of my images, please ask first. If you want to republish this recipe as your own, please re-write the recipe in your own words or link back to this post for the recipe.
Keywords: Hot Dish, Casserole, Rice, Chicken, Cheese, Broccoli, Gluten Free, Heart Healthy