Chicken And Broccoli Saute
A flavorful chicken and broccoli sauté with Italian seasonings, cheeses, and tender rigatoni, perfect for a hearty and satisfying family meal with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw broccoli and cut it in half.
- Cut chicken into pieces.
- Chop red pepper.
- Sauté chicken, red pepper, and mushrooms in 1/3 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of margarine.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Add cream of mushroom soup; stir and heat through.
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil; add salt.
- Add rigatoni; cook for 15 minutes, then add thawed broccoli and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
- Drain in a colander.
- Pour chicken mixture over rigatoni and broccoli.
- Add Romano and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for an hour before cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can also swap the rigatoni for whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes during the sauté process.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken and Broccoli Sauté pairs beautifully with a light green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables. A glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the dish nicely. For more delicious Italian recipes, consider browsing similar dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Broccoli Saute contains roughly 489 calories, with 31g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), protein (63% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 608mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
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 for convenience. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish to avoid excess water. This option saves prep time and still retains nutritional value.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can use a homemade cream sauce or a simple mixture of sour cream and vegetable broth. This will keep the creamy texture while allowing for a bit more control over ingredients.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the cream of mushroom soup, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavors without the gluten.
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).