Deliciously Sweet & Savory Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Pasta – Perfect for Weeknight Dinners!
This Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheddar Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal. Sweet honey mustard chicken served over a creamy, cheesy pasta with fresh broccoli—what’s not to love? This easy recipe will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!
Ingredients for Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheddar Broccoli Pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Cheddar Broccoli Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini works great)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheddar Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Chicken
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the honey mustard mixture.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions. For the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the water. Drain both the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
In the same pot used for cooking the pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, followed by garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3 minutes until it thickens.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until fully melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the pot and stir to coat everything evenly in the cheesy sauce.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Slice the honey mustard chicken into strips. Serve it over the creamy cheddar broccoli pasta and enjoy the savory goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With just 30 minutes of total cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: The delicious combination of cheddar cheese, broccoli, and honey mustard chicken will please even the pickiest eaters.
- One-Pot Wonder: This creamy pasta recipe comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Healthy & Hearty: Packed with lean chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a rich cheddar sauce, this recipe is both filling and nutritious.
Nutritional Information
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 450 calories
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies like spinach or carrots to boost the nutritional value.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour in the sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Creamier Sauce: Add a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
What to Serve with Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheddar Broccoli Pasta
- Garlic Bread: Serve this creamy pasta with a side of garlic bread for the perfect meal.
- Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the rich flavors of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair this with some roasted carrots or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take longer to cook.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat and combine.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta and cheese sauce separately, but it’s best to freeze the chicken on its own to maintain the texture. Reheat everything when ready to serve.
