Dinner’s on the table in only 30 minutes in one pan when you make this extra-comforting broccoli and chicken-loaded mac ‘n’ cheese.—Destined to become a weeknight regular!
I bring new meaning to the words chicken dinner stir-crazy.
I mean, we ARE on #3 in the space of only one week….
Okaaay, yeah I get it. The chicken dinner winners may just sliiiiiightly be spiraling out of control. I promise I DO eat other things for dinner besides chicken! Like cake for instance. And pancakes on occasion….and okay, sometimes both at the same time.
Balance, guys. BALANCE.
Okay, so fabulous news, guys! Today’s stove-top, 30-minute dinner wonder is only the first of many! I joined forces with a bunch of my best blogging gals and starting this month we’re all going to be sharing our best 30-minute dinner recipes the first Thursday of every month.
30-Minute Thursdays has a pretty awesome ring to it. š
On a completely different topic: Guys! Yesterday was my first day in full-uniform in the kitchen! The whole deal: Black pants, black shoes, white chef’s coat and puffy chef’s hat.
I only look slightly ridiculous because everything is like 2 sizes too big for me, but oh, well. I FEEL like a pro and that’s all that matters. (hahaaaa)
Even bigger news, my ridiculously-expensive, but also ridiculously-NICE knife kit arrived in the mail yesterday too! WOOT.
I christened the chef’s knife pretty much right away. We had spent all day in the kitchen the day before learning different knife cuts, and suffice to say I need practice. Who knew there were so many different ways you could cut a carrot?!
We should probably discuss the latest glory of my most recent chicken dinner uh, SOMETIME today, I suppose…
Let’s put it in bullet points! (yeaa!)
- One-pot (minus cooking the pasta separately)
- 30 minutes (uh, dinner lifesaver??)
- Total comfort food. (I mean, mac ‘n’ cheese, guys!)
- Entire meal-in-one. (meat, pasta, veggies = all your bases covered!)
- Last but not least…it’s just really, really good, friends. ā„
Like, reaaaaaaally.
This mac is seriously so simple and basic, but wowza…It’s ultra-gooey and cheesy just like all mac ‘n’ cheese should be. It’s loaded with tons of tender broccoli and chicken. It doesn’t even require turning on the oven or dirtying up a bunch of pots, which we ALL know is a total game-changer when it comes to dinner…
Wrap all that up in a pretty little package with the words THIRTY MINUTES on it and what do we get?
Your dinner menu’s new-and-soon-to-be-regular BFF.
And I don’t know about you, but I think we all deserve a round of applause and an XXL panful of this mac ‘n’ cheese for making it through the first “official” week of September.
That also calls for second helpings and wine afterwards.
Consider Thursday nailed by carbs. Bring on Fri-yaaaaaay!
Stovetop Broccoli Chicken Mac ānā Cheese
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1-1/2 lbs chicken breasts diced into 1/2-in cubes
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup white whole wheat flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb rotini or spiral pasta, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once butter is hot, add chicken, onion, garlic, and broccoli to pan. Stir occasionally until vegetables begin to soften and chicken is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir flour into cooked chicken mixture. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking constantly until mixture is smooth. Stir sauce occasionally over medium heat, until just simmering and beginning to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted. Add parsley and season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir cooked pasta into sauce until evenly coated and return to medium heat. Stir macaroni occasionally until heated through. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Be sure to check out all the other 30-Minute Thursday recipes from these talented bloggers!
One Pot Chicken Chow Mein from The Recipe Rebel
Honey Garlic Shrimp and Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl from Pumpkin ‘N Spice
Easy Skinny Skillet Lasagna from Life Made Sweeter
Kale Caesar Salad with Lemon Parmesan Chicken Strips from Sweet Peas and Saffron
30-Minute Summer Vegetable Tostadas from She Likes Food
Stovetop Broccoli Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese from Whole and Heavenly Oven
Spicy Chili Garlic Grilled Trout from Bake.Eat.Repeat
30-Minute Creamy Pesto Tortellini Skillet from Flavor the Moments
Crunchy Couscous Sweet Potato Salad from Sweet and Delish
30-Minute Chicken Cacciatore from A Latte Food
Pumpkin Penne with Sausage and Sage from Flying on Jess Fuel
30 Minute Smoked Turkey Sausage Tortellini from Mariah’s Pleasing Plates
Baked Corn, Mushroom and Sausage Risotto from Floating Kitchen
BBQ Chicken Sliders with Cheddar and Spinach from Kristine’s Kitchen
Roasted Cauliflower and Hazelnut Spaghetti from Savory Nothings
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Oh this mac ‘n cheese is just calling my name! I love the addition of broccoli and chicken! It looks creamy and oh-so delish! Love it!
Sarah says
Thanks Gayle! It’s definitely a weeknight dinner to be reckoned with! š
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
So exciting you had your first day of culinary school! I can’t wait to hear about your experiences.
Love a thirty minute meal. Especially if it involves cheese. š
Sarah says
Thanks Christin! Hope you’re having an awesome holiday weekend!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Yay for your first day wearing your full uniform! I bet you are totally rocking it just like this stovetop mac’n cheese! It looks so creamy and delicious! Love all the broccoli in here!
Sarah says
Thanks Kelly! xoxo
Joanne says
And to think, just yesterday I was dreaming about a broccoli infused mac and cheese! What perfect timing!
Sarah says
Uhhh, it must be destiny. You HAVE to give this one a go, Joanne!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
Oh yum. Chicken, broccoli and mac n cheese. That’s the perfect weeknight meal! Love it! Pinned!
Sarah says
Right?? Totally no beating it. š Thanks for the pin Stacey!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
First of all, I think you need to post a picture of yourself in your chef’s uniform! So exciting that you’re going to culinary school! And secondly: this mac and cheese looks beyond amazing. Love that it’s one pot AND 30 minutes…easiest dinner ever!
Sarah says
Yeaaah, I haven’t gotten up the courage to take a selfie yet. LOL. Soon, though I promise! š Thanks so much Denise! xoxo
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
I have been making Stella a version of this every night because it is the ONLY way I can get her to eat broccoli (which her dad insists on) lol So I will definitely be trying your recipe this week pretty lady!!
Sarah says
No waaaay! How crazy is that?? š You will definitely have to let me know how Stella likes this mac, girl! So far every kid I’ve served it to has loooved it.
marcie says
How fun that you got to be in full uniform! Do you totally feel scared that you will cut yourself with your new knives because they’re so super sharp? I didn’t realize how dull my knives at home were until I got the new ones. haha This mac ‘n cheese does look like my new BFF — it hits all the marks and I know my kids will tear it up!
Sarah says
Oh my gosh, YES! I haven’t cut myself yet, but my knives are seriously so sharp I’m positive that any day now I’m gonna! LOL.
Izzy says
I love hearing about your culinary school adventures! Also, I think we need photos of you in your chef suit!! I so need to make a one pot mac n cheese recipe! This looks creamy and delicious š
Sarah says
Yeah, I totally need to get around to taking a picture of myself in full uniform! LOL. Soon, soon. š
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
I want photographic evidence of you in the puffy white chef’s hat! And oohhh…new knives. I’m jealous of that. Sounds like it’s going to be one heck of an experience! Gimme this whole skillet. And then a piece of cake too! š
Sarah says
Haha! In my opinion, the hat looks slightly ridiculous on me—again, cause it’s just too big! LOL. Thanks Liz!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
I am the *worst* when it comes to cutting skills. Period. Maybe you can share some pointers when you get to that point in the curriculum! š Sarah this mac n cheese looks amazing! I would definitely be running to the kitchen after work to make this!
Sarah says
Right now I’m pretty much the worst at all cutting techniques! Definitely need to get some more practice in! Haha! Thanks for all the love, Alyssa! xoxo
katie says
I’m so in love with this mac n cheese! I also happen to love broccoli , this is such a yummy dinner š
Sarah says
Aww thanks for the sweet words, Katie! This mac sounds RIGHT up your alley!
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says
I love broccoli with my mac and cheese (cheesy broccoli is the BEST)! I’ve never made mac and cheese with mozzarella but now I’m dying to try it!
Sarah says
You need to give this mac a go asaaaap, Kristine! I’m positive you will looove it. š
Louisa [Living Lou] says
This looks delicious, Sarah! I love adding broccoli to mac and cheese and this stove-top version looks amazing.
Sarah says
Thanks so much Louisa!