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To make this dish, you need a simple list of key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 2 cups uncooked penne pasta - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish These ingredients work together to create a tasty and creamy dish. The chicken adds protein, while the broccoli gives a nice crunch. The pasta acts as the base, soaking up all the great flavors. Seasoning is key to making your dish shine. Here are some must-have seasonings and garnishes: - Salt and pepper enhance the chicken flavor. - Paprika adds a warm, smoky taste. - Red pepper flakes give a slight kick, but feel free to skip them if you prefer. - Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds color. I love adding a little extra cheese on top for presentation. It makes the dish look inviting and delicious. Want to jazz up your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta? Here are some fun add-ins: - Cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. - Spinach for added greens and nutrients. - Cooked bacon for a smoky crunch. - Mushrooms for an earthy flavor. These options can take your meal from good to great. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. Cooking is all about creativity! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Season 1 pound of diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet. 3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it's browned and cooked through. 4. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for 1 minute until it smells great. 5. Toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften a bit. 6. Pour in 2 cups of uncooked penne pasta and 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil. 7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. 8. Stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the broth is absorbed. 9. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. 10. Mix until the cheeses melt and make the dish creamy. 11. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of paprika and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, if you like it spicy. 12. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. 13. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 20 minutes - Total Time: 30 minutes - Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. This helps it brown well. - Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking. - Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust seasoning to your liking! - Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and creaminess. Follow these steps, and you'll have a tasty One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta that everyone will love! When making One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta, a few mistakes can happen. First, avoid cooking the chicken too long. It can get dry and tough. Cook it just until it's no longer pink. Second, don’t skip the broth. It adds great flavor to the pasta. If you don’t use enough, the pasta can stick together. Lastly, don’t forget to stir! This helps everything cook evenly and prevents burning. To make your dish even creamier, try adding more cheese. You can mix in an extra half cup of cheddar cheese. Another great option is to add cream cheese. Just a couple of tablespoons can really boost the creaminess. If you want a lighter touch, use half-and-half instead of all the broth. This will create a rich texture without being too heavy. For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or basil. These herbs pair well with chicken and cheese. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If you like a kick, try adding more red pepper flakes. A sprinkle of nutmeg can enhance the cheese flavor, too. Finally, top your dish with crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To ensure your penne pasta is cooked al dente, check it a minute or two before the recommended cooking time. It should have a slight bite to it. Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. It adds brightness and balances the richness of the cheese. Chicken Alternatives: If you're looking for a variation, try using turkey or even shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein option. Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Start by swapping chicken for plant-based protein. Tofu or chickpeas work great here. Season them just like you would the chicken. Then follow the same steps for cooking. Add your favorite veggies, too! Think bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. This way, you keep the meal colorful and tasty. If you want to change up the protein, you have many choices. Shrimp or sausage can add a fun twist. Cook shrimp until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. For sausage, slice it and cook until browned. You can also try turkey if you prefer a leaner meat. Just cook it until it’s no longer pink. Each option will give your dish a new flavor. Pasta lovers can try different grains. Quinoa or farro can replace the penne. These options add a nice nutty flavor. If you want to go gluten-free, use rice or gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Each grain brings its own unique texture and taste. Experiment to find your favorite! To store your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for the best results. This pasta dish will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. It helps keep track of freshness. When reheating, you can use the stovetop or microwave. If you use the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat it on low and stir often. If you prefer the microwave, cover your dish with a lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This method keeps the pasta creamy and tasty. You can freeze this dish for up to three months. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space for expansion. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently as mentioned above for the best flavor. You can use turkey or tofu instead of chicken. Both options work well. Turkey gives a lean taste, while tofu adds a nice texture. You can also try chickpeas for a plant-based option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times, as tofu cooks faster. Yes, frozen broccoli is a great option. It saves time and is still nutritious. Just add it to the pan when you add the pasta. Cook until it’s heated through. It may take a minute longer to soften. To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular pasta for gluten-free penne. Many brands offer great options that taste good. Also, check your chicken broth to ensure it is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then let it cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of broth to keep it moist. Cheddar cheese is a favorite for its sharp flavor. It melts nicely and adds creaminess. Parmesan gives a nice salty touch. You can mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness. Experiment with your favorite cheeses for a unique taste! This blog post covered all you need for a tasty one-pan cheesy chicken broccoli pasta. We explored the key ingredients, cooking steps, and ways to avoid common mistakes. I shared tips to make your dish creamier and variations for different diets. Finally, I included storage and reheating tips to keep your leftovers fresh. Try out these ideas and enjoy making this meal in your kitchen!

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring chicken, broccoli, and pasta in a creamy cheese sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Pour in the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the broth, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Season with paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and additional salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls with extra cheese and broccoli for garnish.
Keyword broccoli, cheesy, chicken, one pan, pasta