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
Scale
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.
