Creamy Chicken And Broccoli
Creamy chicken and broccoli combines tender chicken strips, vibrant broccoli florets, and red peppers in a rich, cheesy sauce made with garlic-spiced spread cheese. This quick, satisfying dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and appeals to those craving a comforting, flavorful meal with pasta.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt margarine over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until the chicken is white. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Add broccoli, red pepper, and chicken broth to the skillet. Cover and cook until the broccoli is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add cooked bow tie noodles and the soft spread cheese. Toss until the cheese is melted and everything is well coated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or some Italian seasoning to the chicken while cooking. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the margarine with olive oil and use whole grain or gluten-free pasta. You can also replace bow tie noodles with rice for a different texture. For extra protein, toss in some cooked chickpeas or white beans.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken and broccoli dish is perfect on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or steamed rice. It pairs beautifully with Chicken, Rice And Broccoli Casserole for a comforting family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Chicken And Broccoli contains roughly 625 calories, with 5g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 611mg per serving (27% 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 add it to the skillet right from the freezer and cook until heated through. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli may release more water, so you might need to adjust the chicken broth slightly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
What other types of cheese can I use?
If you don't have garlic and spice soft spread cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese or a cheese sauce. For a sharper flavor, try adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella, adjusting the quantity to your taste preference. Just ensure it's melted and well combined.
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).