If you’re craving a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s bursting with flavor and cozy vibes, this Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and wide, tender egg noodles bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce that you can whip up in just about 30 minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome, balancing savory cheddar with a hint of spice and the freshness of veggies all in one skillet. Trust me, once you try this, your dinner routine will never be the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish packed with texture and flavor. Each component plays a critical role — from the golden caramelized onions to the sharp cheddar cheese that melts into a velvety sauce, making every bite irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and bringing out the onion and garlic flavors.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic warmth that enhances the chicken and veggies.
- ¾ lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped: Tender protein that makes this meal hearty.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps carry the spices.
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard: Brings a subtle tangy kick to balance creaminess.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For just a touch of heat that livens up the dish.
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the noodles and broccoli.
- 2 cups whole milk: Makes the sauce creamy and luscious.
- 1 lb wide egg noodles: The perfect hearty noodle shape to soak up all the sauce.
- 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped: Adds crunch, color, and nutrition.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that melts into a gooey, cheesy dream.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it turns soft and slightly golden—this mellow sweetness is the backbone of your dish. Add the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant, about 1 minute, so it doesn’t burn. Next, add the chopped chicken breast pieces, seasoning them well with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown on all sides. Finally, stir in the butter along with the ground mustard and cayenne pepper if you want that welcome, gentle spice. This step builds a rich flavor base that will infuse the entire skillet.
Step 2: Simmer the Noodles and Broccoli
Pour in the broth and whole milk, gently bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add the wide egg noodles and the chopped broccoli florets right into the skillet. Season again with salt and pepper to your liking. Now, keep the heat at a gentle simmer and stir regularly as the noodles cook and soak up most of the liquid; this allows the flavors to mingle beautifully while ensuring your chicken is cooked through and broccoli just tender.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese
Once the noodles and broccoli are perfectly cooked, stir in one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Scatter the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes—this resting time is magic, allowing the residual heat to melt the topping into a luscious cheesy layer.
Step 4: Optional Broil for a Golden Finish
If you want that irresistible browned and bubbly cheese topping, place your skillet under the broiler uncovered or pop it into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for about 15 minutes. Keep a close eye so it gets that perfect golden crust without burning. This final flourish adds a delightful texture contrast that makes this Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe extra special.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dinner, try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness. A few red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you love a little heat. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the rich cheddar flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This skillet is quite a hearty main dish, but if you want to round it out, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic roasted carrots for extra veggie goodness. For an indulgent touch, warm crusty bread or garlic bread on the side pairs perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this directly from the skillet brings a rustic, homey vibe everyone loves. You can also scoop it into individual bowls and top with extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream. For a fun twist at potlucks, transfer the finished dish into a pretty casserole dish and broil it right before serving to wow your guests with a bubbling cheesy crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got any leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they meld overnight, making it an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. For best results, transfer to a freezer-safe container and omit the final broil step before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to evenly warm through. You can add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through and melty.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar gives this dish its classic tangy flavor, but swapping in gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses can add unique twists. Just make sure the cheese melts well to keep the sauce creamy.
Is it necessary to use chicken or can I make this vegetarian?
You can easily leave out the chicken and add extra broccoli or other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for a vegetarian version. Using vegetable broth will keep it flavorful while making it meat-free.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
While wide egg noodles are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just watch the cooking time to avoid overcooking your pasta.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can prepare all the components and combine them in the skillet without broiling. Cover and refrigerate, then broil or bake just before serving to get that gorgeous cheese crust.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
Not at all! The cayenne is optional and adds a little subtle heat to balance the richness of the cheddar. Feel free to leave it out or adjust to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe is a true weeknight superstar that combines simplicity, comfort, and nutrition in one delicious skillet. Whether you’re feeding a small family or looking for a satisfying solo dinner, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. So grab your skillet, gather these wonderful ingredients, and treat yourself to a meal that feels like a warm, savory hug. You won’t regret it!
Print
Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Skillet is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, wide egg noodles, and fresh broccoli in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, this skillet dish is both hearty and flavorful, with a delightful cheesy topping optionally browned under the broiler for a crisp finish.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- ¾ lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Pantry Items
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 lb wide egg noodles
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics and chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped chicken breast pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is golden brown and nearly cooked through. Stir in butter, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper if using to coat the chicken and aromatics.
- Add liquids, noodles, and broccoli: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the wide egg noodles and roughly chopped broccoli florets into the skillet. Season again with salt and pepper. Continue simmering, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender, the broccoli is cooked but still vibrant, and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Mix in cheese and rest: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let it rest off the heat, allowing the cheese on top to melt gently.
- Broil or bake for a bubbly finish: For an optional browned and bubbly cheese topping, place the uncovered skillet under the broiler for a few minutes until golden and crisp, or bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, do not omit the cayenne pepper and add extra if desired.
- Use wide egg noodles for the best texture; smaller pasta shapes may not cook evenly in the skillet.
- Make sure to stir frequently when simmering to prevent noodles from sticking to the pan.
- You can substitute the chicken with turkey or omit it for a vegetarian version, just use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
