Description
This Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente pasta in a rich garlic cheese sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with onion powder and black pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the broccoli and garlic: In the same pan, add butter and let it melt. Then add the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and broccoli is slightly tender but still crisp.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the pan. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and reduce cheese slightly.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Feel free to swap broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or peas.
- Ensure pasta is not overcooked to maintain a good texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
