Chicken with Broccoli and Noodles: A Comforting Classic

Introduction

When it comes to weeknight dinners, there’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a hearty bowl of Chicken with Broccoli and Noodles. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with crisp-tender broccoli and perfectly cooked noodles in a rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

The beauty of Chicken with Broccoli and Noodles lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pan meal that doesn’t require complicated ingredients or techniques, yet it’s packed with flavor and makes for a filling, well-balanced meal. The addition of fresh broccoli adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients, while the noodles give the dish that comforting, satisfying texture. This dish is versatile enough to be adapted to different tastes and can be served with a variety of sides, from garlic bread to a simple salad.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making Chicken with Broccoli and Noodles, share helpful tips for perfecting the dish, and provide variations to suit your preferences. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, this dish comes together quickly in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Comforting and Hearty: It’s a classic comfort food recipe that’s filling and satisfying, sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
3. Versatile: You can customize the dish to fit your taste, adding in extra veggies, herbs, or spices to make it your own.
4. Nutritious: With lean chicken and fresh broccoli, this dish is not only delicious but also healthy, offering a good balance of protein and vegetables.
5. Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce and familiar flavors make this dish a hit with kids, while the savory combination of ingredients is loved by adults as well.
6. Perfect for Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 40 minutes

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 4 people, but you can easily double or halve the ingredients depending on your needs.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken with Broccoli and Noodles:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 8 oz egg noodles (or pasta of choice, like penne or rotini)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil if available)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken breasts. If they are large, you may want to slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets that cook faster and more evenly. Season the chicken on both sides with a pinch of salt, pepper, and onion powder.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, slice it into bite-sized pieces or strips and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your egg noodles (or pasta of choice) and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Be sure to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Cook the Broccoli

In the same pan you used for the chicken, add another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Next, add the broccoli florets to the pan. If you’re using fresh broccoli, sauté for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender. If you’re using frozen broccoli, cook for 5-6 minutes until heated through. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Once the garlic and broccoli are cooked, add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let the broth reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, and a bit more salt and pepper. Stir to combine, creating a creamy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken, Noodles, and Sauce

Add the cooked noodles and sliced chicken to the pan with the creamy sauce and broccoli. Stir gently to combine everything, making sure the noodles and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce. If needed, add more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.

Allow everything to simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s heated through and the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is well combined and heated, transfer your Chicken with Broccoli and Noodles to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

How to Serve

Chicken with Broccoli and Noodles is a hearty, one-pan meal that pairs beautifully with simple sides. Here are some great options to complete your meal:

• Garlic Bread: The rich, buttery flavor of garlic bread complements the creamy sauce and adds a satisfying crunch.
• Side Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for extra fiber and nutrients.
• Rice Pilaf: A side of rice pilaf or quinoa provides a nice contrast in texture and can soak up any extra sauce.
• Wine Pairing: For a wine pairing, try a light, crisp Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc, which complement the creamy sauce and chicken.

Additional Tips

1. Use Thin Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced chicken will cook faster and more evenly. If you don’t want to slice the breasts yourself, look for thin-cut chicken breasts at the store.
2. Customize the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute with other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas.
3. Use Half-and-Half for a Lighter Sauce: If you want a lighter version of the sauce, feel free to swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
4. Add a Touch of Heat: Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
5. Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover Chicken with Broccoli and Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While creamy dishes like this may not freeze as well as others, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to store in a tightly sealed container. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a little more cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken

breasts for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking for even results.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can swap out the egg noodles for penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken, broccoli, and sauce in advance, then store them in the fridge. Just add the noodles and heat everything through when you’re ready to serve.

Can I add other seasonings or ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You could also add a handful of spinach or mushrooms to enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken with Broccoli and Noodles is a classic comfort food dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli make it a well-rounded, delicious meal that’s perfect for busy nights or family dinners. With a few simple ingredients and just one pan, you can create a dish that’s flavorful, filling, and easy to clean up. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is sure to become a go-to recipe in your cooking repertoire.

Enjoy making and sharing this meal with your loved ones! Happy cooking!

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