Description
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make dish takes just 30-40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with family and friends. Each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring it will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and broccoli into florets.
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add broccoli and sauté for about 3 minutes until bright green.
- Add minced garlic; sauté briefly. Pour in heavy cream while stirring; mix in cheese until melted.
- Combine pasta and chicken with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired creaminess. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or experimenting with veggies like spinach or bell peppers. To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.