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
Scale
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.
