This pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with garlicky goodness. Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and melty cheese come together for one irresistible dish. It’s comfort food made easy.
I made it for dinner one busy night, and it was a total hit. The pasta cooks up fast, and the cheesy garlic sauce? It’s so rich and flavorful, you’ll be licking the plate.
It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights. Great for feeding a crowd or meal prep. Plus, it all comes together in one pot—hello, easy cleanup!
Let’s make dinner magic! This cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta is quick, simple, and totally delicious. Grab your skillet—we’re cooking tonight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: This pasta isn’t just cheesy—it’s the kind that invites second helpings. The balance of garlic, creamy sauce, and tender chicken makes it a real crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
- Balanced Yet Indulgent: While it’s rich and satisfying, the broccoli adds a fresh contrast, making the dish feel complete and not overly heavy.
- Quick and Accessible: You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything is straightforward, and it’s on the table in about 40 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a last-minute dinner idea.
- Versatile Base: You can use the same base—garlic cream sauce with pasta—to adapt with other veggies or proteins if you want to switch it up next time.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes – this includes chopping the chicken, prepping the broccoli, and measuring ingredients.
Cook Time: 25 minutes – enough to cook the pasta, sear the chicken, and make the sauce without rushing.
Total Time: About 40 minutes.
Servings:
This recipe makes a generous 4 servings. If you’re feeding a larger family or hosting, double the ingredients to make more.
Difficulty Level:
Easy to Intermediate. While the steps are simple, balancing the timing—like cooking the pasta while making the sauce—requires some multitasking. But it’s a great recipe to build confidence in the kitchen!
Before You Start:
- Prep the Ingredients First: Have the chicken cubed, garlic minced, and cheese grated before you start cooking. It makes the process smoother.
- Pasta Choice Matters: While penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well, pick a pasta with grooves or curves so the sauce clings beautifully to each bite.
- Use Fresh Broccoli if Possible: It holds its texture better than frozen. Cut into small, uniform florets for even cooking.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta. A pot with plenty of water and a good boil ensures the pasta cooks evenly.
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Preferably non-stick or stainless steel, for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For prepping the chicken and vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient amounts, especially the cream and cheeses.
- Colander: To drain the pasta once cooked.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need (exact measurements are in the Recipe Card later):
- Pasta: About 250 grams of penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Choose pasta with ridges or a wide surface to hold the sauce better.
- Olive Oil: About 2 tablespoons. This helps sear the chicken, adding a rich flavor and golden crust.
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large, cut into even, bite-sized cubes. Boneless, skinless works best for easy cooking.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, finely minced. Fresh garlic gives a more aromatic base than powdered garlic.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon for added flavor depth without the texture of chopped onions.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon to add just the right touch of heat. Adjust to your taste.
- Broccoli Florets: 1½ cups, chopped into bite-sized pieces. Use the tender parts of the broccoli stem too for less waste.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup. This is the base for the sauce, making it rich and velvety.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, which melts smoothly into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy pull.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup. Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup. Use low-sodium for better control of seasoning. It adds depth to the sauce.
- Butter: 1 tablespoon. Adds a glossy finish and rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Before draining, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water—this can help loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the cubed chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust.
Flip the pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until fully cooked and no longer pink in the middle.
Sprinkle the onion powder and black pepper over the chicken as it cooks to build flavor.
3. Add the Garlic and Broccoli
Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium.
Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Toss in the broccoli florets. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is vibrant green and crisp-tender.
If the pan gets too dry, add a splash of chicken broth.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
Let the sauce simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, a little at a time, stirring continuously to melt the cheese smoothly.
Add the butter and stir until it melts into the sauce.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta, chicken, and broccoli evenly.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more pepper if needed.
Variations for Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Swap the Protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier bite or try shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-packed meal.
- Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For added fiber and a nuttier flavor, try whole wheat penne or rotini.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle in fresh basil, parsley, or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for subtle heat.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Main Course: This pasta stands alone as a hearty, satisfying main dish.
- With a Salad: Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil for a light contrast.
- With Garlic Bread: Pair it with crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of the cheesy sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Make sure the chicken is cut into even pieces so they cook at the same rate. This prevents overcooked or undercooked bites.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers a more robust, aromatic flavor than pre-minced or powder. Don’t skip this ingredient!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Save Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water can loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. It also helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: When making the sauce, keep it at a gentle simmer. A rapid boil can cause the cream to break or become grainy.
Storing Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with a bit of liquid to restore creaminess.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | ~35 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40 g |
| Fat | ~28 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~15 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~600 mg |
| Calcium | ~250 mg |
Cheesy Garlic Chicken And Broccoli Pasta
Course: pasta recipes4
servings15
minutes25
minutes520
kcalIngredients
250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large chicken breasts, cubed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
1½ cups broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth
1 tbsp butter
Directions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add broccoli and cook 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in broth and cream. Simmer 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat; stir in cheeses and butter until melted and smooth.
- Toss pasta into sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed. Adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
FAQs for Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely. If you have leftover cooked chicken (like rotisserie or grilled chicken), just cut it into cubes and add it after the broccoli has softened. Let it warm through in the sauce for a few minutes.
Q: Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. You can use whole milk or even evaporated milk for a lighter option. To thicken it, consider adding a tablespoon of flour when sautéing the garlic before adding liquids.
Q: How do I avoid overcooking the broccoli?
A: Add broccoli to the pan towards the end of cooking. Cook it just until it turns bright green and is crisp-tender. Overcooking can make it mushy and dull in color.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes, with some adjustments. Use a dairy-free milk alternative like coconut milk or oat milk. Choose dairy-free cheddar and Parmesan substitutes, and replace butter with a plant-based spread or more olive oil.
Q: Can I add extra veggies?
A: Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even asparagus can be great additions. Add them with the broccoli, adjusting cooking times to keep them crisp.
Q: What pasta shapes work best?
A: Pasta shapes that hold sauce well are ideal—think penne, rotini, fusilli, or even farfalle. Long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti works too, but shorter shapes tend to mix better with the sauce.
Q: How can I make the dish spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic, or toss in a finely chopped fresh chili for extra heat.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a simple, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy garlic sauce over pasta makes it both comforting and satisfying. With a few tips and a flexible approach, you can adapt it to your taste and make it part of your regular meal rotation.
Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is approachable yet impressive. Plus, it’s an easy way to get a well-rounded meal—protein, veggies, and carbs—all in one pan.
