Tuesday, June 23, 2009

No exact Recipe Chicken with Pasta and Broccoli

This is one of those dinners that I have no exact measurements for, there is no exact science to it, I only know it is a family all-time favorite of my kids and husband and the excitement builds in my house if they know it is being mad for dinner. I cannot even remember where the recipe comes from, I believe it is a firehouse recipe and you will notice the title says broccoli, but there is no broccoli in my pictures, because noone eats anything green in my house, other than myself , so there is no broccoli in my dish, but please add it to yours, if you like, it really is good.

Here is what you need:
1lb to 1 1/2 chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
eggs,beaten
olive oil
bread crumbs, Italian flavored
garlic, minced
1 can chicken broth, I use low sodium
1 box pasta, I use rotelli or my new favorite is pipette
1 head broccoli, cut into florets, if you choose
freshly grated parmesan cheese



First, heat up a large skillet with olive oil and add minced garlic. This is to your taste, I probably add about 5-6 cloves, minced. Add garlic to oil and be careful not to burn. Meanwhile, dip the chicken pieces into the egg and then into the bread crumbs, until well coated. I usually put the breadcrumbs in a large ziploc bag and then just shake up the chicken until I think they are coated. Add chicken to skillet. You may have to add more oil as it cooks, just use your judgement. It should look like this.

At the same time pour your can of broth into small saucepan and warm through on the stovetop. And in another pot have your pasta water boiling and get that cooking. And if you are using broccoli, you should have that steaming at the same time. Or if you want to use a box of chopped , frozen broccoli, go ahead and microwave it now .So, ideally you should have all 4 burners occupied at the same time, it is key to the dish that everything be ready at the same time. When your chicken is done, it should look like this:

Sorry, I couldn't rotate my picture, so dumb. When the pasta is ready, drain it and put it right back into pot you cooked it in, add chicken and scrape all the bits of breadcrumbs and oil you cooked it in to the pasta pot, add broccoli, if using, and finally add the warmed through chicken broth. Mix all together and add lots and lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Mix it again and breathe it in, breathe again. It smells so damn good and it is quite honestly a 30 minute meal.




Here is my broccoli-less version. The chicken broth keeps everything so moist and makes a little light sauce. This is an all-time keeper in my house. They come running when this is at the dinner table. It is even better the next day, reheated. All you need with this is a salad and a loaf of bread. So, I know it is not exact, the ingredients are rather simple, the instructions are hopefully understandable, because normally I wing this, and have never written it down before, so forgive me if it sounds confusing. I think you will forgive me once you try it. It is so good and family friendly. Added bonus: Can easily be doubled or tripled for a party.

30 comments:

  1. Firehouse recipes are the BEST, as are firemen. :) Yes, this is a delicious recipe..God, how long has this been in our family?? I do use the broccoli and I enjoy it!

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  2. Wonderful recipe! I'll try this one this week.

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  3. The best recipes are not precise recipes!

    Denise, thank you for commenting on my blog. I suppose days like Father's Day are opportunities for people to honor their fathers, whether alive or passed.

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  4. Can't wait to try this...I'm always so excited to stumble across new pasta recipes!!!

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  5. I love brocolli!Most people really don't measure ingredients and just eyeball them..

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  6. My favorite kind of meal... eyeball everything.
    Look good.

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  7. I love parm cheese in all of its applications. I'm going to pick up a big hunk on my way home (that's what she said!).

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  8. wow this did come together quick - and it looks very tasty too!

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  9. This sounds so easy and flavorful! Under 30 minutes???? I have to try it!

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  10. My family would love this quick and easy meal, even with broccoli! Love the picture of the crispy chicken!

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  11. I love recipes like this where you don't have to use exact measurements. Nice!

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  12. Oops! I meant exact ingredients! :0)

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  13. Love chicken and broccoli. It's an all time favorite with me as well, though I've only eaten it in restaurants. I will certainly give yours a try. Looks delish!

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  14. For me the best recipe to use is the one where I don't have to use exact measurements :) This looks yummy!

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  15. This looks like a great comfort meal! I could cozy up to that and be very happy!

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  16. Most of my recipes are like this! No exact measurements...I'm a taste-and-tester! This dish looks fabulous, regardless! I love the freeway allowed here :-)

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  18. Love the title of this :D This sounds delish...and I have had to make myself write down measurements, LOL!! My kinda cookin'!

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  19. Ironically, broccoli is the one veggie everyone will eat with no complaints. Well other than the fact that my dad likes it like mush and my brother likes it crispy - Chinese food style. I try to find a happy medium. Broccoli with chicken and pasta are a classic - perfect dish.

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  20. this looks wonderful! our family would love it!

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  21. LOVE the shot of the breaded fried chicken pieces. Yes, I'll be adding broccoli to mine! Thanks for sharing Denise!
    ~ingrid

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  22. I just love your recipes! I left you an award on my blog!

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  23. My kids would totally eat this! It looks delicious! Thanks for a great recipe!

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  24. Looks good, fried on a pasta bed- never thought of that!

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  25. That looks yummy, I love easy!

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  26. That pasta looks amazing. Thanks for sharing.

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  27. I love recipes like this! Looks great!

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  28. I have an award waiting for you at my blog :)

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  29. I do something similar - with pasta, and turkey sausage and broccoli - yours look so scrumptious.

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I'd be so happy to hear your thoughts, answer questions, or exchange ideas.