Best 3 Cheesy Broccoli And Pasta Recipes

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Cheesy broccoli and pasta is a classic and comforting dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its combination of tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and bright green broccoli, it is a surefire hit at any dinner table. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a hearty dish to serve on a special occasion, cheesy broccoli and pasta is a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your needs. From classic stovetop methods to one-pot wonders, there are countless ways to make this delicious dish. In this article, we will explore some of the best recipes for cheesy broccoli and pasta, so you can find the perfect one for your next meal.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CHEESY CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY



Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: olive oil, chicken breasts, salt, pepper, yellow onion, garlic, chicken broth, water, pasta shells, broccoli, cayenne powder, nutmeg, milk, shredded cheddar cheese

Provided by Tasty

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch (2cm) pieces
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
½ cup yellow onion, about half an onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, about 1 tablespoon, minced
2 cups chicken broth
3 cups water
16 oz pasta shells
4 cups broccoli, or one head of broccoli
½ teaspoon cayenne powder
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • 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!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1318 calories, Carbohydrate 133 grams, Fat 60 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 57 grams, Sugar 14 grams

ONE-POT CHEESY BACON RANCH PASTA WITH CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI



One-Pot Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli image

My family would eat this every week. It's a great go-to easy one-pot meal that is complete and satisfying. And cleanup is a breeze!

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Pasta by Shape Recipes     Macaroni Recipes

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 slices bacon
¾ pound chicken breasts, diced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 cup whole milk
4 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix
3 cups broccoli florets
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
¼ cup sour cream

Steps:

  • Heat bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, flipping occasionally until browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  • Sprinkle chicken evenly with salt and pepper; cook in hot bacon drippings over medium-high heat, stirring often, until chicken is golden brown on all sides, about 4 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside. Chicken will not be fully cooked at this point.
  • Add shallot and garlic to drippings and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, 2 minutes. Stir in water and milk; use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from bottom of the Dutch oven. Stir in pasta and ranch dressing mix. Bring to a boil and simmer for 6 minutes.
  • Return chicken to the Dutch oven and add broccoli. Cook until pasta is tender and chicken is cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in Cheddar cheese and sour cream to combine. Crumble cooked bacon over the top and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 570.4 calories, Carbohydrate 60.4 g, Cholesterol 83.2 mg, Fat 20.6 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 34.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 680.2 mg, Sugar 5 g

CHEESY CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI AND BACON



Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Broccoli and Bacon image

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound penne pasta
1 head broccoli, cut into small (1-inch) florets
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
5 cups whole milk
2 cups grated Gruyere
1 cup sour cream
2/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
2 teaspoons hot sauce
12 ounces cooked chicken breast or deli chicken, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/2 cup chopped crispy-cooked bacon
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with salt until it tastes like the sea. Cook the pasta until not quite al dente, about 7 minutes. Transfer with a spaghetti scoop or slotted spoon to a bowl and set aside. Add the broccoli to the pasta water and blanch briefly. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Reserve the pasta water.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, whisking, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Gruyere, sour cream and Parmesan and whisk until smooth. Add the hot sauce and season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the pasta, chicken and broccoli to the sauce. Continue to cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce coats the pasta, 4 to 5 minutes. Use pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
  • Distribute the pasta into bowls and top with the bacon and chives.

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Like broccoli. Always choose broccoli florets that are vibrant green and compact with florets that are tightly closed and even in size.
  • Cook the pasta properly: You want the pasta to be cooked through but still have a little bite to it. About 8-10 minutes for most types of pasta.
  • Don't overcook the broccoli: You want it to be tender but still have a bit of a crunch to it. About 3-5 minutes.
  • Use a good quality cheese: The cheese is really what makes this dish so flavorful. Use a cheese that melts well and has a sharp flavor, like cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère.
  • Season to taste: Always taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Conclusion:

Cheesy broccoli and pasta is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious and satisfying meal for your family. You can also easily customize the dish to your liking by adding different vegetables, proteins, or cheeses. Serve this delectable combination of broccoli, pasta, and creamy cheese sauce as a comforting main course that is a hit among all age groups!

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