Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size pieces; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as penne, shells, rigatoni, etc.); 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; 2 cups milk; 2 cups broccoli florets (1 head of broccoli), cut into small pieces; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner! This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a game-changer – it’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and crisp broccoli all wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the best part? It’s on the table in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will gobble this up – it’s the perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence.
Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
Leftovers Heaven: If you’re lucky enough to have any left, it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a touch of richness.
Chicken breasts: The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base to the dish.
Garlic: Because, let’s face it, garlic makes everything better.
Pasta: Choose your favorite shape – it’s all about those nooks and crannies that catch the sauce.
Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with flavor as it cooks.
Milk: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
Broccoli: Adds color, crunch, and nutrition.
Nutmeg: A pinch for that special something-something.
Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, binding everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Veggie Boost: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère or a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned and cooked through.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions soften and become translucent.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add pasta, chicken broth, and milk to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add Broccoli

Uncover and stir in broccoli florets. Cook for a couple more minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the liquid has mostly evaporated.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle in nutmeg and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and gooey. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the pasta – you want it al dente, not mushy.
Cheese Matters: Grate your own cheese for the best melting results.
Broccoli Hack: If you like softer broccoli, add it earlier in the cooking process.
Stir, Stir, Stir: Frequent stirring prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking..

How to Serve

This one-pan wonder is a meal in itself, but if you’re feeling fancy:

Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Serve with garlic bread to soak up every last bit of cheesy goodness.
Sprinkle with some toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

While possible, freezing may affect the texture of the pasta and sauce. If freezing, do so before adding the cheese and reheat gently.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw it first and add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?
Any good melting cheese will work. Try mozzarella, Gouda, or even a blend of your favorites.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra veggies or tofu for protein.

Is there a way to make this dish lower in calories?
Try using low-fat milk and cheese, and increase the proportion of broccoli to pasta for a lighter version.

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is more than just a recipe – it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles on their faces. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become your new go-to for those busy weeknights when you need a little comfort and a lot of flavor. Happy cooking!

Evelyn

Hey, I'm Evelyn! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe