Irresistible Cheesy Homemade Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Golden, bubbling cheese meets tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in this irresistible homemade chicken and broccoli pasta that promises comfort in every bite.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious or came together so effortlessly.

Creamy sauce coats each pasta strand with rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels both elegant and satisfying.

Fresh broccoli adds a delightful crunch and nutritional boost to this hearty dish.

One forkful reveals layers of texture and taste that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this easy, crowd-pleasing pasta that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Ingredient Checklist

• Pasta: Provides hearty foundation for the dish, select a shape like penne or rotini that captures sauce well and offers delightful texture.

• Chicken Breast, Broccoli Florets: Lean protein supports muscle health while delivering rich flavor, choose fresh chicken without discoloration and bright green broccoli with tight, crisp florets for maximum nutrition.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Olive Oil, Garlic, Parmesan Cheese: Salt intensifies overall flavor profile, black pepper adds subtle warmth, olive oil creates silky texture, fresh garlic brings aromatic depth, and parmesan cheese contributes tangy, nutty undertones that elevate the entire dish's complexity.

Tools for Making Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta and cooking broccoli, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta and broccoli quickly and efficiently.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for any necessary ingredient preparation.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop ingredients precisely and safely.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Great for stirring pasta and moving ingredients while cooking.

How to Cook Chicken and Broccoli Pasta From Scratch

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Toss in your favorite pasta and cook until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Three minutes before the pasta is done, drop in fresh broccoli florets.

• Sauté Chicken Beautifully

While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Slide seasoned chicken pieces into the pan, letting them sizzle and turn golden brown. Cook until the chicken is completely white inside and has a delicious crispy exterior.

• Create Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and pour in heavy cream or a mixture of milk and cheese. Stir gently, scraping up the flavorful chicken bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, developing rich and tangy notes.

• Combine and Serve

Drain the pasta and broccoli, then transfer them into the skillet with the chicken. Toss everything together, coating each piece with the velvety sauce. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or grated parmesan for an extra burst of flavor.

• Plate and Enjoy

Slide the steaming pasta onto warm plates. The chicken should be juicy, the broccoli bright green, and the sauce clinging to every delicious morsel. Grab a fork and savor your homemade masterpiece.

Adjust Chicken and Broccoli Pasta to Fit Your Taste

• Whisk the sauce constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth texture that coats every pasta strand beautifully.
• Prepare the chicken and broccoli mixture up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, then quickly reheat and combine with fresh pasta for a speedy meal.
• Swap regular pasta for gluten-free versions and use lactose-free milk to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian alternative.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to add depth. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of garlic powder to elevate the overall taste profile and give the dish a personal twist.
• Store remaining pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Revive the dish by adding a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

Serve This Pasta Hot and Loaded

• Family Feast Finale: Serve this hearty pasta directly from a large, colorful serving platter, allowing everyone to dig in family-style with extra grated parmesan on the side.
• Protein Power Boost: Top each serving with grilled chicken strips or rotisserie chicken chunks to enhance the protein content and make the meal more substantial.
• Fresh Herb Flourish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the pasta just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the dish's flavor profile.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal and provide additional texture and taste contrast.

Pack and Store Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Ease

• Prepare a double portion of this pasta dish and refrigerate extra servings in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Separate into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workdays.
• Store leftover chicken and broccoli pasta in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
• When warming refrigerated or thawed pasta, add a small amount of water or extra sauce to prevent dryness. Stir occasionally and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• How do I know when the pasta is cooked al dente?

The pasta is al dente when it’s tender but still has a slight firmness when you bite into it. Typically, this means cooking it 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just add it directly to the boiling water with the pasta and cook until it’s bright green and tender.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini are ideal because they hold the sauce and catch pieces of chicken and broccoli really well. These shapes create a more enjoyable eating experience.

• How can I make sure my chicken stays juicy?

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook it over medium heat. Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures it’s cooked through but remains tender and moist.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 672 kcal

Servings: 7

Cheesy Homemade Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta delivers a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Home cooks can enjoy this simple, satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich parmesan sauce.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, bowtie, or your choice)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, ensuring a flavorful foundation for cooking pasta to perfectly al dente consistency.
2. Vegetable and Pasta Synchronization: Drop pasta into boiling water, then add broccoli florets 2-3 minutes before pasta completion, allowing both to cook simultaneously and absorb the seasoned water.
3. Draining and Staging: Strain pasta and broccoli in a colander, shaking off excess water, then transfer to a spacious mixing bowl, creating a blank canvas for the upcoming flavor infusion.
4. Protein Integration: Sauté chicken pieces in a skillet with olive oil, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring juicy and tender meat.
5. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, craft a creamy sauce by combining heavy cream, grated parmesan, and a splash of pasta water, whisking until smooth and luxuriously rich.
6. Final Composition: Gently fold the golden chicken and velvety sauce into the pasta and broccoli mixture, coating every element with the decadent cream sauce, creating a harmonious and comforting dish.

Notes

• Pasta Precision: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a firm, satisfying texture that prevents mushiness and absorbs sauce perfectly.
• Broccoli Blanching Technique: Add broccoli during the final 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking to preserve its bright green color, crisp texture, and nutritional value.
• Salt Water Strategy: Use generously salted water to enhance the overall flavor profile of both pasta and broccoli, creating a more depth in the final dish.
• Timing Mastery: Drain pasta and broccoli immediately to stop the cooking process, preventing overcooking and maintaining ideal consistency for a restaurant-quality result.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 672
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg