Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac is a cozy, one-pot dinner that balances tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a pop of green broccoli in every forkful. The sauce is rich from melted Colby Jack while the pasta soaks up savory chicken broth, giving you a silky, comforting texture. Aromas of paprika, garlic, and onion fill the kitchen as the chicken browns and the pasta simmers, making the whole house smell like dinner is ready. It is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a filling meal without a lot of fuss, for family dinners that please picky eaters, or for bringing to a casual potluck. The combination of juicy chicken bites, slightly crisp broccoli florets, and gooey shredded cheese keeps each bite interesting and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes — lean protein that cooks quickly when cubed.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil — for browning the onion and chicken and adding a touch of richness.
- 1 small onion, chopped — adds sweet, savory depth as it softens.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt — brings out the flavors of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper — adds mild heat and balance.
- 1 teaspoon paprika — gives a warm, smoky note and color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder — concentrated garlic flavor without chopping fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder — boosts savory onion flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning — adds herby, tangy seasoning for extra flavor.
- 3.5–4 cups chicken broth — the cooking liquid that flavors the pasta and creates the sauce; use the amount you prefer for thinner or thicker sauce.
- 2.5 cups elbow pasta, uncooked — classic mac and cheese shape that holds sauce well.
- 3 cups broccoli, chopped into small florets — provides texture, color, and a fresh bite.
- 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded — melts into a smooth, creamy finish with mild, tangy flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Tip: stir often enough to prevent browning but allow the onion to soften fully.
- Add the cubed chicken, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Tip: spread the chicken in a single layer if possible so it browns evenly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Those browned bits add flavor to the sauce.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow pasta and chopped broccoli. Reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Tip: if you like a looser sauce, use 4 cups of broth; for a thicker finish, use 3.5 cups.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded Colby Jack cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: approximately 470 per serving
Tips, Storage & Variations
- Practical tips: Cut the chicken into uniform small cubes so it cooks evenly. Shred the cheese finely for quicker melting. Stir gently after adding the cheese to avoid separating the sauce.
- Storage: Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive creaminess, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
- Flavor variations using existing ingredients only:
- Make it extra cheesy by stirring in a little more shredded Colby Jack at the end.
- Increase the broccoli to 4 cups for a greener, vegetable-forward dish.
- For a bolder seasoned profile, add a second tablespoon of ranch seasoning during the chicken step.
FAQ
- How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?
Leftovers will keep 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. - Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, any small pasta shape works; cooking time may vary slightly, so check for tenderness. - Is it possible to make this on the stove top in one pot?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be made in one large pot on the stove top. - How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while it simmers?
Stir occasionally and maintain a gentle simmer so the pasta moves and absorbs liquid evenly. - Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded Colby Jack melts more smoothly and gives the creamiest texture. - What if my sauce is too thin after cooking?
Stir in a little more shredded cheese off heat and let it thicken, or simmer a few minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
People Also Ask
- What temperature should I cook the chicken to?
Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety. - Can I add the broccoli at the beginning with the onion?
If added too early, broccoli can overcook; adding it with the pasta ensures a tender but not mushy texture. - Will the pasta absorb a lot of the broth while simmering?
Yes, the pasta absorbs much of the broth as it cooks, which creates the sauce, so choose the broth amount based on how saucy you want the final dish. - How do I make the dish creamier without adding dairy beyond the cheese?
Use the higher end of the broth range and melt the cheese in gently off heat to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. - Can I use low sodium chicken broth?
Yes, low sodium broth works well; adjust the 1/2 teaspoon of salt to taste at the end. - Is Colby Jack a good substitute for other cheeses?
Colby Jack melts well and gives a mild tang; it is a good choice when you want creamy, melty cheese without overpowering the dish. - Should I cover the pot while the pasta simmers?
Leave the pot uncovered or partially covered so you can stir and monitor the pasta and broccoli for doneness. - How can I tell when the pasta is perfectly cooked?
Taste a small piece; it should be tender with a slight bite but not hard or mushy.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac brings together quick cooking, familiar flavors, and a comforting, cheesy finish that makes weeknight dinners feel special. If you enjoy variations on this theme, check out a similar take on this dish at Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac from Cooking in the Midwest and another version at Broccoli Chicken Mac and Cheese from Gimme Some Oven. Try the recipe, make it your own, and share how it turned out with friends or family for a cozy meal.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac
This cozy one-pot dinner features tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the cubed chicken, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow pasta and chopped broccoli. Reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded Colby Jack cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
Cut chicken into uniform small cubes for even cooking. Shred cheese finely for quicker melting. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.