Cheddar-Broccoli Noodles
Cheddar-Broccoli Noodles is a comforting dish featuring tender noodles, fresh broccoli, and savory chicken in a creamy cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines hearty flavors with a touch of richness, appealing to families and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken tenders into small pieces and fry until golden brown; set aside.
- In a 3-quart saucepan over high heat, bring water to a boil.
- Add noodles and broccoli to the boiling water.
- Return to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until noodles and broccoli are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Drain off most of the liquid from the saucepan.
- Stir in seasoning packets, cheese soup, sour cream, and pepper.
- Add cooked chicken to the mixture.
- Heat through, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding garlic powder or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the chicken tenders for sautéed mushrooms or tofu. To save time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken could also be used instead of raw chicken. Make sure to stir the noodles occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheddar-Broccoli Noodles hot as a main dish, and consider pairing them with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Regal Chicken Salad for a complementary flavor profile. For a complete dinner experience, add some crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave portions in a covered dish, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheddar-Broccoli Noodles contains roughly 165 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Just add it directly to the boiling water with the noodles; however, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen broccoli tends to cook faster than fresh.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Cheddar-Broccoli Noodles, consider incorporating red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the mix. Adjust to your taste preference.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! You can opt for whole grain or vegetable-based noodles to increase fiber content. Additionally, using low-fat or reduced-sodium versions of cheese soup and sour cream can help lower calories and sodium levels without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).