Pasta Roni Chicken Broccoli is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines the convenience of Pasta Roni's seasoned sauce with the protein of chicken and the healthy addition of broccoli. It's a crowd-pleaser that's adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. Let's dive into how to make this delicious meal and answer some frequently asked questions.
What is Pasta Roni?
Pasta Roni is a popular brand of pasta side dish mixes. They offer various flavors, but the most common include the original, cheese, and garlic butter varieties. These mixes typically include pasta, a seasoned sauce mix, and sometimes additional ingredients like vegetables. The beauty of Pasta Roni lies in its simplicity – just add water and your choice of protein and vegetables to create a complete and flavorful meal.
How to Make Pasta Roni Chicken Broccoli
This recipe uses the original Pasta Roni mix as a base, but you can easily adapt it to your favorite flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 box Pasta Roni (original or your preferred flavor)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Add broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
- Prepare Pasta Roni: Follow the package instructions for preparing the Pasta Roni mix. You may need to adjust the water amount slightly depending on the amount of chicken and broccoli added.
- Combine: Once the Pasta Roni is cooked, add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan cheese (optional) and serve immediately.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the skillet with the chicken and cook for a few extra minutes, allowing it to thaw and heat through completely. No need to thaw it beforehand.
What kind of chicken can I use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common and convenient choice. However, you can also use chicken thighs, which will result in a richer flavor. If using thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Is this recipe healthy?
This recipe is a relatively healthy option, especially compared to other processed meals. Broccoli provides essential vitamins and nutrients, and chicken is a lean protein source. However, the Pasta Roni mix does contain sodium and processed ingredients. To make it even healthier, you can consider using whole wheat pasta or reducing the amount of sauce used.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like peas, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Add them along with the broccoli or in the final stages of cooking to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
What are some variations of this recipe?
You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Some variations include:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
- Cheesy: Add shredded cheddar cheese along with the broccoli.
Pasta Roni Chicken Broccoli is a versatile and delicious meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. By following these simple instructions and exploring the suggested variations, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy. Remember to always adjust seasonings to your personal preference. Enjoy!
