Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
• Creamy & Cheesy – The rich garlic cheese sauce is irresistible.
• Nutritious – Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the broccoli.
• Family-Friendly – A dish the whole family will love, even picky eaters.
• One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup required!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast
• Pasta of choice (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
• Fresh broccoli florets
• Garlic (minced)
• Butter
• Heavy cream or milk
• Chicken broth
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli to the boiling water in the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
4. Add the cheese – Slowly stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
5. Combine everything – Return the chicken to the pan, then add the cooked pasta and broccoli. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
6. Serve – Garnish with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use a different cheese – Try mozzarella, Gouda, or a mix of cheeses.
• Swap the protein – Substitute chicken with shrimp or cooked sausage.
• Make it lighter – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
• Add more veggies – Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition.
• Make it spicy – Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Add it directly to the boiling pasta water in the last few minutes of cooking.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works well because it holds onto the sauce better.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

How do I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce the cheese, and substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter milk option.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything except the sauce ahead of time. Reheat and combine when ready to serve.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great accompaniments.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a little chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Shrimp, cooked sausage, or even tofu can work well as substitutes.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delicious, comforting dish that's perfect for a quick dinner. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, it's a meal the whole family will enjoy. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a homemade, restaurant-quality pasta dish!

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Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

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This Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-pan dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich garlic cheese sauce, this comforting pasta meal is a family favorite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's both delicious and nutritious!

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Dinner, Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli

   • Boil pasta according to package instructions.
   • Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce

   • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
   • Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well.

4. Add the Cheese

   • Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

5. Combine Everything

   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
   • Add the drained pasta and broccoli, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.

6. Serve & Enjoy

   • Garnish with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp or sausage for variety.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk.
• Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.