Chicken & Cheesy Broccoli with Creamy Pasta

This Chicken & Cheesy Broccoli with Creamy Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish! Tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and creamy pasta come together in a cheesy sauce that’s rich and satisfying. The creamy texture, combined with the cheesy goodness and the freshness of the broccoli, makes this meal a well-rounded, hearty favorite. It’s the perfect dish to whip up for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Look forward to a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats each piece of chicken, broccoli, and pasta in velvety goodness. The tenderness of the chicken paired with the crunch of the broccoli creates a delightful texture contrast, while the pasta absorbs all the creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish is filling yet comforting, with a delicious balance of savory flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Tools to Use

Large pot (for pasta)
Skillet or frying pan
Mixing spoon or spatula
Strainer
Whisk

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite type)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Broccoli:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until it’s bright green and tender. You can steam it or blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes if you prefer. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add the Cheese:
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli into the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta, chicken, and broccoli are well coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Add Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the Chicken & Cheesy Broccoli with Creamy Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

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Chicken & Cheesy Broccoli with Creamy Pasta

Equipment

Large pot (for pasta)
Skillet or frying pan
Mixing spoon or spatula
Strainer
Whisk

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
8 oz pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite type
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of your favorite cheeses
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Broccoli:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until it’s bright green and tender. You can steam it or blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes if you prefer. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add the Cheese:
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli into the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta, chicken, and broccoli are well coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Add Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish:
Serve the Chicken & Cheesy Broccoli with Creamy Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Tips for Cooking

Pasta Choice: Choose pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells to better hold onto the creamy sauce.
For Extra Creaminess: Add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce for an even richer and creamier texture.
Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make the dish even more hearty.
Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Chicken & Cheesy Broccoli with Creamy Pasta is comfort food at its best. The tender chicken and broccoli pair perfectly with the rich, cheesy sauce and pasta, creating a meal that’s as hearty as it is delicious. It’s an easy, one-pan recipe that’s perfect for busy nights or when you want something satisfying and flavorful. Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in while indulging in all the creamy goodness you love.

With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy broccoli, this Chicken & Cheesy Broccoli with Creamy Pasta is the perfect comfort meal. It’s simple, delicious, and a hit with everyone at the table. Try it tonight and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is comforting. Happy cooking!