I am always looking for an easy weeknight dinner and these Parmesan bowties with chicken and broccoli pretty much top the list when it comes to "easy" (and flavorful). It is a perfect one-skillet meal (much like my Chicken Caprese recipe) for those crazy nights, or when you just don't feel like exerting that much effort in to making dinner.
The best part of this recipe? There is a fairly good chance that you already have all of the ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry!
I like to use bowtie pasta for this recipe but really, any "stabby pasta" will do. I tried it once using thin spaghetti and the chicken and broccoli didn't really stay mixed with the pasta - just kind of hovered around the perimeter of the pan.
This would go really well with a simple wedge salad with homemade blue cheese dressing or even just a simple salad with my homemade creamy poppy seed dressing. Don't forget to whip up a batch of my homemade beer bread to go with it as well!
Scroll down for the recipe!
Parmesan Bowties with Chicken and Broccoli | Easy Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 8 oz bowties pasta or any "stabby" pasta like penne, rigatoni, etc
- 10 oz Frozen Broccoli thawed
- 1 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut chicken in to bite-size pieces (about 1/2" - 1" pieces.)
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken, salt and pepper and saute until chicken is no longer pink.
- Transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.
- Add remaining oil, red pepper, basil, onion and garlic to skillet.
- Saute a few minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add chicken broth and 2 cups of water to the pan.
- Bring to a boil add the pasta to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook for about 12 minutes or until pasta is nearly done (cooking time may vary, depending on what pasta you are using).
- Add in broccoli and remaining 1/2 cup water, cover and continue cooking another 3-4 minutes on low, or until broccoli and pasta are both tender.
- Stir in Parmesan and milk.
- Return the chicken to the pan and simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens.
- Serve and enjoy!
Mindi has been blogging since 2008 sharing her best frugal living tips, recipes and more. When she isn't writing, she spends time as an unpaid cook, maid and chauffeur to her 3 children!
That looks absolutely delicious. I love easy to do recipes like this. I can't wait to make this for my family.
I love easy recipes like this. Ones you can throw in a pot and not worry about it until it is done!
YUMMY! Looks awesome! I'm always up for a little easy during the week!
This definitely sounds like a dish I would love to make and eat. I love one pot meals and I could actually make it for just me!
Dinner looks good. I don't eat meat, but I could easily substitute tofu for the chicken!
This looks good. I like how simple it is, but also contains some healthy additions.
This recipe looks hearty and delicious. My sons and husband would love eating this for dinner during the week.
We're all worn out by the end of the day, these easy and delicious recipes are awesome! Perfect meals to feed the family and have everyone staying healthy!