If you’re hunting for the ultimate crowd-pleaser on a busy weeknight, Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta will absolutely swoop in and save dinnertime. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and the silkiest cheese sauce all come together in one creamy, dreamy pan. It delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, making it an instant favorite for picky eaters and food lovers alike. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want stellar leftovers, this dish hits all the high notes—comforting, cheesy, garlicky, and packed with wholesome greens. Let’s get cooking!

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta counts, bringing together layers of flavor, beautiful color, and irresistible texture. You’ll find nothing fancy—just trustworthy kitchen staples working delicious magic together.

Pasta: Penne or rotini soak up tons of sauce and give every bite the perfect chew.
Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully while adding a fruity richness to the sauce.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and succulent flavor in every forkful.
Salt: Proper seasoning draws out all the savory goodness from the chicken and pasta.
Black pepper: Adds a little cozy warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Garlic: Four cloves give this dish its signature aroma and a gentle kick without overwhelming.
Broccoli florets: Three cups add gorgeous green color and make this meal instantly fresher and more balanced.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the sauce into luscious, creamy heaven.
Milk: Creates the base for that velvety cheese sauce we all crave.
Chicken broth: Deepens the savory flavor and keeps the sauce light and lively.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers that melty, gooey texture with a punch of sharp cheese flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings saltiness and umami, giving your sauce gourmet vibes.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A pop of heat balances all that creamy goodness—use as little or as much as you like!

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—generously seasoned water is the secret to flavorful pasta! Add your favorite pasta shape, and cook until almost done. In the last two minutes, stir in the broccoli florets so they turn bright green and just tender. Drain everything together and set aside. This shortcut not only saves a pan but ensures the broccoli stays vibrant and snappy.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, grab your largest skillet and add olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them until they’re golden outside and fully cooked inside—about 5 to 6 minutes. Getting that lovely browned surface on the chicken means extra flavor in every mouthful of Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Make a Roux

Lower the heat just a touch and toss in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn (nothing’s worse than bitter garlic!). After that, sprinkle flour over everything and cook, stirring non-stop for another minute. This forms the base of the creamy sauce and removes any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any bits from the bottom for maximum flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, watching as it thickens slightly over 3 to 4 minutes. This is where the transformation to decadent creaminess begins, all without heavy cream.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses

Turn the heat down to low and add both shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan directly into the pan. Stir until everything’s melty, velvety, and absolutely irresistible. The combination of cheeses gives that perfect stretchy richness you crave in Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, plus a deep, savory backbone.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Tip the cooked pasta and broccoli into the skillet and toss well to coat every nook and cranny with sauce. If you like a hint of spice, this is the moment to sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Give it a taste, adjust the seasoning if needed, and you’re ready to plate up a comforting masterpiece.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Garnishes

Just before serving, shower your Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with a little extra Parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. If you want even more decadence, a drizzle of good olive oil or a quick squeeze of lemon over each bowl brightens up every bite.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s also fabulous alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread. The contrasting crunch and acidity balance out the creamy, cheesy sauce and make dinner feel like a complete feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve the Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta in individual bowls topped with toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts. Or, dish it up family-style in a big serving platter straight from the skillet for that cozy, communal feel. To really impress, fill roasted bell peppers or large pasta shells with a scoop of this cheesy creation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of this delicious Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta left over (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container after it cools. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making it an ideal meal-prep option or next-day lunch that still tastes fantastic.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this pasta! Cool it completely first, then pack it into a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm portions in a skillet with a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back that creamy consistency. The microwave works well too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Top with a little fresh cheese if you like to revive all the cheesy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely—you can use whatever pasta shape you prefer! While penne or rotini are classics, shells, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work beautifully. Just adjust the cook time to suit the type of pasta you choose.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta vegetarian by swapping the chicken for roasted mushrooms or even chickpeas, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavors will still be cozy, creamy, and deeply satisfying.

What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter meal, go with reduced-fat cheese and milk, and perhaps use just a touch less cheese. You can also bulk things up with extra broccoli or toss in a handful of baby spinach at the end for even more greens.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch?

You sure can! This shortcut is perfect for busy nights. Just dice up cooked rotisserie chicken and briefly warm it in the skillet with the garlic before moving on to make the sauce—so easy and still packed with flavor.

Does Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta work for meal prep?

It’s actually a terrific meal prep dish! Prepare the pasta as directed, portion it into containers, and store in the fridge. When reheated, it’s just as creamy and comforting as when freshly made—ideal for no-fuss lunches all week.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with a pot full of Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta—it’s the kind of weeknight comfort food that always garners rave reviews. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your own dinnertime rotation!

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort meal with this Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. Creamy, cheesy sauce coats tender chicken, broccoli, and pasta for a satisfying one-pot dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)

Chicken and Broccoli:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic (minced)
3 cups broccoli florets

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add seasoned chicken, cook until browned and cooked through. Add garlic and sauté.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle in flour, whisk in milk and chicken broth. Simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted.
Combine and Serve: Add pasta and broccoli to the skillet, toss in the sauce. Season with red pepper flakes. Serve hot.