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the best cheesy chicken pasta

the best cheesy chicken pasta

The Best Cheesy Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and pasta for a comforting, flavorful meal. Versatile and customizable, it's perfect for any occasion and can be made to suit your dietary preferences.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta such as penne, shells, rigatoni, etc.
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups broccoli cut into small florets, about 1 head of broccoli
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and begins to lightly brown.
  2. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for another 2 minutes until the onions soften slightly.
  3. Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and milk, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, stir, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through.
  4. Uncover the skillet and stir in the broccoli. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the liquid evaporates.
  5. Stir in the nutmeg and shredded cheddar cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

Notes

Pasta Options: You can choose any pasta you prefer or have available. Penne, rigatoni, and shells are particularly good choices as they hold the sauce well.
Protein Alternatives: This recipe is flexible. You can swap the chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Varieties: While this recipe uses cheddar, feel free to try other cheeses that melt nicely, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gouda.
Storage: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.
Add Some Spice: For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper when seasoning the chicken.