Merken Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce. This family-friendly favorite is simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight meal that everyone will enjoy.
Merken The secret to this dish is the homemade cheddar sauce, which uses a simple roux to achieve the perfect consistency. By tossing the chicken and broccoli directly into the sauce, every bite is infused with savory, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) penne or rotini pasta
- Meats: 2 chicken breasts (about 350 g/12 oz), cut into bite-size pieces
- Vegetables: 2 cups broccoli florets, 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Dairy & Cheese: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1 1/2 cups (150 g) sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Seasonings: 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water), 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- Oils: 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, adding the broccoli florets for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Step 4
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 5
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Reduce heat to low and mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Step 6
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the cheese sauce. Heat for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
- Step 7
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce. If you are short on time, you can easily substitute the sautéed chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken added at the final tossing stage.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend when preparing the roux. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as white cheddar or Monterey Jack, for a subtle variation in taste.
Serviervorschläge
This creamy pasta pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a side of warm garlic bread to soak up any remaining cheese sauce.
Merken With 570 calories and 38g of protein per serving, this Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is a hearty and balanced meal that will surely become a staple in your recipe rotation. Serve it immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest for the best experience.
