Rigatoni With Broccoli
A hearty pasta dish featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and rigatoni in a savory broth sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner or weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil.
- Add chicken, garlic, and pepper. Saute 4 minutes or until chicken is lightly browned.
- In a small bowl, stir together chicken broth, cornstarch, and salt; add to skillet.
- Stir in broccoli.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low; cook 4 minutes longer or until heated through.
- Toss with cooked and drained rigatoni.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs before sautéing. If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can work in a pinch. To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. This dish also works well with fresh broccoli or other vegetables such as bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Rigatoni with Broccoli alongside a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables would also complement the dish well. For a more filling meal, consider pairing it with Chicken Milanaise. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving can enhance the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it, covered, in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rigatoni With Broccoli contains roughly 43 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 998mg per serving (43% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh broccoli! Just blanch it briefly in boiling water before adding it to the skillet. This will help retain its vibrant color and crisp texture.
What can I use instead of cornstarch for thickening?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder. Just make sure to mix it with a little cold water before adding to the skillet to prevent clumping.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Rigatoni with Broccoli is great for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance and store it in individual portions. Just remember to keep the pasta and sauce separate until ready to eat to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
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).