Comfort food at its finest, this Easy Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta combines protein, vegetables and pasta in one satisfying dish. Tender chicken and fresh broccoli simmer with pasta shells in a flavorful broth before being finished with milk and cheddar for a creamy, cheesy sauce. Seasoned with garlic, cayenne and nutmeg for depth, this one-pot wonder creates a family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup diced yellow onion (about half an onion) 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbsp.) 2 cups chicken broth 3 cups water
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1 16oz bag of pasta shells 4 cups broccoli (or one head of broccoli) 1/2 tsp cayenne powder 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1 cup milk 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
Heat olive oil on medium heat in a large pot. Add chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and allow the chicken to brown on one side. Flip chicken, then add onions and garlic as the second side browns. Once the chicken has browned on both sides, add chicken broth, water, and pasta to the pot. Stir all ingredients, cover the pot with a lid, and bring to a boil. When it begins to boil, uncover and stir. Bring the heat to low, stir, then cover and let simmer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes has passed, uncover and add in the broccoli. Stir continually as the broccoli steams until the rest of the liquid evaporates. Add milk and cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese melts and you have a smooth cheese sauce. Add salt and pepper (to taste), cayenne, and nutmeg. Stir once more, then you're ready to serve. Enjoy!
Servings\Yield
4 Servings
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Per Serving: Calories: 620; Total Fat: 26g (Saturated Fat: 12g); Cholesterol: 95mg; Sodium: 840mg; Total Carbohydrates: 63g (Dietary Fiber: 6g, Sugars: 6g); Protein: 39g
*Nutrition information is provided as a general estimate only. Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients, and is based on available nutrient data. Variations may occur based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.
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