If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, this Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. It perfectly balances tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta all enveloped in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe delivers a satisfying experience with every bite. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create a dish that’s full of taste and texture. Each component plays a key role—from the tender chicken that adds protein, to the broccoli lending freshness and color, and the cheeses that bring luscious creaminess.
- 250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape for a perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the chicken with a subtle fruity flavor.
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed: Tender and juicy, the star protein of the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Boosts the savory depth without overpowering the garlic.
- ½ tsp black pepper: A mild kick to balance the creaminess.
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets: Brings vibrant green color and a fresh crunch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The lush base of the sauce that makes everything silky smooth.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, essential for that classic cheesy flavor.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds an extra nutty, savory dimension.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Enhances flavor and helps balance the richness of the cream.
- 1 tbsp butter: For sautéing garlic and broccoli, adding indulgent richness.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta, then set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. The pasta acts like a blank canvas soaking up all that beautiful cheesy garlic sauce at the end.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the cubed chicken. Sprinkle onion powder and black pepper on top for subtle seasoning. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in juiciness and brings savory flavor to every bite. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli and Garlic
In the same pan, melt the butter to capture all those fond flavors left behind by the chicken. Toss in the minced garlic and broccoli florets, sautéing quickly for about 2 minutes. This keeps the broccoli vibrant and just tender, while the garlic infuses the butter for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This step is the foundation for the sauce’s creamy texture and rich flavor. Patience here pays off with a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to both pasta and chicken.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt smoothly into the cream mixture. The blend of cheeses creates that signature gooey, cheesy experience that makes this recipe truly stand out.
Step 6: Combine
Return the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken to the pan, tossing everything together to coat every piece in that velvety sauce. This final combination melds the flavors and textures into one irresistible dish.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Dish out your Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe piping hot for the best taste and texture experience.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens up the rich dish. A few extra shavings of Parmesan on top can elevate the presentation and add a little salty bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread can round out the meal. These sides provide contrast to the creamy main dish, keeping the palate refreshed.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in deep bowls to showcase the saucy, cheesy goodness, or layer it in a casserole dish and broil briefly with extra cheese for a golden, bubbly crust. Presentation can make dinner feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, so a quick reheat with a splash of milk or broth will help loosen it back up.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe, but for best texture, freeze without the pasta first and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. This way, you preserve the perfect pasta texture while saving the delicious sauce and chicken.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a little cream, milk, or broth if the sauce appears too thick. This will revive the creamy consistency and keep the dish tasting fresh.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap cheddar or Parmesan for mozzarella, gouda, or even a bit of cream cheese for a different twist. Just remember that the cheeses you pick should melt well and complement garlic and chicken.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu to keep it filling and satisfying. You might also want to use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
Can I prepare the components in advance?
Definitely. You can cook the chicken and broccoli ahead of time and store them separately. Then, when ready, quickly assemble and warm everything with the sauce for a no-fuss dinner.
What pasta type works best for this recipe?
Any sturdy pasta such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine works wonderfully because they hold onto the sauce well. Choose based on your preference for shape and bite.
How can I make this recipe less rich?
To lighten it up, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a milk and cream blend, and reduce the cheese quantities slightly. You’ll still get plenty of flavor without all the heaviness.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something wonderfully comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with garlic, tender chicken, and green broccoli that hits the spot every time. I encourage you to whip up this Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe soon—it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel straight-up happy with every mouthful. Enjoy cooking and savor every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, comforting Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta featuring tender cubed chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich cheese sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan. Ready in just 30 minutes, this savory dish combines sautéed garlic and chicken with a luscious cream sauce, perfect for a family dinner or quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Dairy
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 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: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be mixed later.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, sprinkle with onion powder and black pepper, and cook until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the broccoli and garlic: In the same pan, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté together for about 2 minutes until the broccoli is slightly tender and the garlic fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese gradually, allowing them to melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the cheesy garlic sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm immediately. Enjoy this rich and flavorful dish as a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fettuccine for better sauce adherence.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less thick.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside for food safety.
- Freshly grated Parmesan gives better flavor than pre-grated varieties.
