Description
This Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta are combined in a rich garlic cream sauce loaded with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a hearty and satisfying dinner with family or friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Dairy & Liquids
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with onion powder and black pepper, and cook until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook the broccoli and garlic: In the same pan, add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté them together for about 2 minutes until the broccoli is slightly tender and the garlic is fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the pan. Toss everything together carefully so the pasta and chicken are well coated with the cheesy garlic sauce.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta warm, garnished with a little extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your hearty, flavorful meal!
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer; penne or rotini works especially well to hold the sauce.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic and broccoli.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but it will be less creamy.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to keep it crisp and vibrant in color.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
