Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta
Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, broccoli florets, and pasta in a rich cheese sauce. This family-friendly dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
– 1 lb short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large head of broccoli (about 4-5 cups), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2.5 cups whole milk, warmed
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus more for garnish
– 1.5 teaspoons salt, divided
– 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the cheese sauce.
- Season with paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Add other vegetables like cauliflower or peas for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Find it online: https://us.recipesfood.org/cheesy-broccoli-and-chicken-pasta/
