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- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne recommended) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cups) - Garlic (3 cloves, minced) - Onion powder (1 tsp) - Garlic powder (1 tsp) - Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded) - Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, finely grated) When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a tasty meal. The chicken gives the dish protein and flavor. The pasta serves as a hearty base. Broccoli adds a fresh crunch and a pop of color. The seasonings transform plain ingredients into a feast. Garlic brings warmth, while onion powder adds depth. Red pepper flakes can add a kick if you like spice. Always adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. Cheese is the star of this dish. Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, creating a creamy sauce. Parmesan adds a nutty finish. Together, they turn this simple meal into a cheesy delight that everyone loves. Now that you have all the ingredients ready, you can dive into the fun part—cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season 2 diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. This mix adds great flavor. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add 8 oz of uncooked fusilli or penne pasta. Pour in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add 3 minced garlic cloves. Turn the heat to high and bring the mix to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. You want it to be al dente, which means firm but not hard. When the pasta cooks for about 8 minutes, it's time to add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. This should happen during the last 3 minutes of cooking. The steam will cook the broccoli perfectly, keeping it bright and tender. After the pasta and broccoli are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are mixed well. Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Now, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir continuously to help the cheese melt into a creamy sauce. This is the magic moment! If you like some heat, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes here. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it. To serve, dish out the cheesy chicken and broccoli pasta into bowls. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle more Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes on top. Enjoy your delicious meal hot! To cook efficiently in one pan, start with great prep. Cut all ingredients before you begin. This makes cooking smooth and fast. Use a large skillet to give food room to cook evenly. Stir often to avoid sticking. Let the heat do the work, but don’t forget to watch your food. To ensure even cooking, try these tips: - Cut chicken into similar sizes. - Cook pasta at a gentle simmer. - Add broccoli when pasta is almost done. You can spice up your dish in many ways. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a warm taste. You could also mix in some lemon zest for brightness. For cheese, feel free to experiment. Gouda or mozzarella can replace cheddar for a different twist. You can even use a spicy cheese if you love heat. This recipe is easy to follow. You can prep in about 10 minutes. The cooking part takes about 20 minutes, so the total is only 30 minutes. This dish suits both beginner and intermediate cooks. If you can chop, stir, and watch a pot, you can make this meal. Enjoy the process and have fun! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Cheese Melting Technique: To achieve a creamy sauce, make sure to reduce the heat to the lowest setting before adding cheese. Broccoli Cooking Time: Adding the broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking helps retain its vibrant color and nutrients. Adjusting Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, a splash of chicken broth or water can help achieve your desired creaminess. {{image_4}} You can switch chicken for turkey or shrimp. Turkey works well if you use similar cuts. For shrimp, add it later in the cooking process. Cook shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until pink. Adjust cooking times to keep everything tender. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken. Use extra broccoli, or add bell peppers and mushrooms for more flavor. You can also use tofu as a protein. Tofu needs a little more time to sauté. Make sure it’s crispy on the outside for better texture. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Various brands offer great options that taste good. Check the broth to ensure it’s gluten-free too. Some brands may add gluten, so read the label. You might need to adjust cooking times based on the pasta type. To store your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. It will last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, check for any odd smells or colors. If it looks good, you're all set! If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Scoop the pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove any air to prevent freezer burn. This dish can stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For quick reheating, use the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick. Enjoy your cheesy pasta delight anytime! 1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked. Set aside. 2. Cook the Pasta: In the same skillet, add pasta and chicken broth. Stir in minced garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta is al dente. 3. Add the Broccoli: In the last 3 minutes, add broccoli florets to the pasta. This steams the broccoli perfectly. 4. Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together well. 5. Incorporate the Cheese: Lower heat and sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top. Stir until melted and creamy. 6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Check flavor and add salt or pepper if needed. Add broth if sauce is too thick. 7. Serve Hot: Dish into bowls and garnish if desired. Enjoy! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It’s convenient and saves time. Frozen broccoli cooks faster. Just add it during the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking. This ensures it heats through without getting mushy. Fresh broccoli gives a slight crunch and bright color. Choose based on your preference! Here are some great side dishes: - Garlic Bread: Toasted and buttery, perfect for dipping. - Mixed Green Salad: A light salad adds freshness. - Roasted Vegetables: Carrots or bell peppers complement the meal well. - Fruit Salad: A sweet touch balances the savory pasta. To add heat, try these tips: - Red Pepper Flakes: Add more than 1/2 teaspoon for extra kick. - Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce before serving. - Spicy Cheese: Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for added spice. - Chili Powder: Mix in a teaspoon during cooking for a deeper flavor. This recipe creates a tasty one-pan dish. We covered the key ingredients, from chicken to cheese. You learned step-by-step cooking tips and variations for dietary needs. Remember, cooking can be fun and easy, whether you're a beginner or have more skills. Enjoy the leftovers by storing them wisely. With the right ingredients, you can make this dish your own. So, gather your items, and get cooking!

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Delight

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with chicken and broccoli, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne recommended)
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the uncooked pasta along with the chicken broth and minced garlic. Increase the heat to high and bring this mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • During the final 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. This step will steam the broccoli beautifully, ensuring it's bright and tender while the pasta finishes cooking.
  • After the pasta and broccoli are cooked to perfection, return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Gently stir all the ingredients together to combine thoroughly.
  • Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken. If you enjoy a bit of spice, feel free to add red pepper flakes at this stage.
  • Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
  • Dish out the cheesy chicken and broccoli pasta into individual bowls. You can optionally garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes for an added touch. Enjoy your delightful creation!

Notes

For added visual appeal, consider serving with a small sprig of parsley on each bowl or a drizzle of olive oil over the top.
Keyword broccoli, cheese, chicken, comfort food, pasta