This easy baked casserole is the perfect dish for a caregiver to prepare at the beginning of the week for a senior to reheat when needed. It can even be portioned out into reusable containers for easier senior self-service.
Packed with fresh summer flavors of lemon, basil and corn, this asparagus and corn baked ziti hits on seasonal cues while still being a filling and hearty dish. This is a great meal for a senior looking to maintain or gain weight, or for an older adult with general increased protein needs.
Cook time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 box ziti noodles
- ½ white onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 asparagus bundle, chopped
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ cup romano cheese
Optional toppings: fresh lemon juice, fresh basil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bring water in a pot to boil and add noodles. Boil until noodles are cooked. Strain noodles, and pour into a large baking dish.
- While noodles are cooking, heat oil in a skillet and add cubed chicken.
- Cook chicken until browned on both sides, and then remove from heat and add to baking dish, leaving juices.
- Add garlic and onion to skillet and cook in juices until fragrant.
- Add asparagus, corn and spices and cook for about four minutes.
- Remove vegetables from heat, and add to baking dish.
- Add broth to baking dish and mix ingredients.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, remove and top with cheese, and bake for another five minutes.
- Enjoy!
Per serving*: 460 calories; fat 9g; saturated fat 1.5g; cholesterol 120mg; sodium 190mg; carbohydrate 48g; fiber 3g; total sugars 4g; added sugars 0g; protein 47g; calcium 7%DV; iron 22%DV; potassium 16%DV
*Please note: Nutrition variation may happen due to ingredient sourcing and measurement variations.