Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor, this Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate cozy dinner dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals, it comes together quickly and satisfies even the pickiest eaters. With juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a silky cheese sauce that clings to every twist of pasta, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly special.

The combination of hearty rotini pasta, perfectly seasoned seared chicken, and a generous handful of cheese makes this dish a staple you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re cooking for four or doubling the batch to serve a crowd, this one-pan wonder will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Easy to Make: Everything comes together in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, cheesy, and savory — it hits all the comfort food notes.
• Nutritious Twist: Broccoli adds a veggie boost, making it just a little bit healthier.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, garlicky goodness.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini is ideal for this dish because its spiraled shape catches all the cheesy sauce in every bite. However, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or even farfalle if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it al dente, as it will absorb some of the sauce and continue to soften slightly as it sits.

---

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in bringing together bold flavor and comforting texture.

• Chicken breast – Boneless and skinless, seared to golden perfection for protein-packed bites.
• Rotini pasta – Its spiral shape captures the creamy sauce in every forkful.
• Fresh broccoli florets – Lightly cooked for a vibrant color and tender-crisp texture.
• Garlic cloves – Freshly minced to infuse the entire dish with bold, aromatic flavor.
• Butter – Used to sauté the garlic and add richness to the base.
• All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
• Milk – A creamy base that keeps the sauce smooth and velvety.
• Chicken broth – Deepens the flavor of the sauce and balances the creaminess.
• Cheddar cheese – Shredded and melted into the sauce for a sharp, cheesy bite.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty note that elevates the overall flavor.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the sauce.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sear them in a large skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Boil the rotini in salted water until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer until thickened.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan. Mix until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and broccoli. Stir until everything is coated in the cheesy garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve immediately while warm and creamy. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

---

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This dish is best served hot, right out of the skillet, when the sauce is at its creamiest. It makes a hearty meal that can feed 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving.

To store leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy consistency. While it’s freezer-friendly, the texture of the cheese sauce might change slightly upon thawing.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a natural pairing that helps mop up every drop of that cheesy sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with romaine, Parmesan, and croutons balances the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for a healthy and colorful addition to the plate.

4. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze bring a refreshing contrast.

5. Lemon-Herb Asparagus

Light and tangy asparagus brightens up the meal with zesty lemon notes.

6. Steamed Green Beans

Simple and tender green beans make a quick, healthy side with mild flavor.

7. Crusty Baguette

A warm, crusty baguette adds a satisfying chew and helps scoop up sauce.

8. Sparkling Water with Lemon

To cleanse the palate, a chilled glass of sparkling water with a lemon slice is a great non-alcoholic option.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Frozen broccoli works well in this dish. Just make sure to thaw it and pat it dry before adding it to avoid watering down the sauce.

What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a stringier texture or Gruyère for a nutty, gourmet touch. Just ensure they melt smoothly into the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged, and keep the heat low when melting it into the sauce. Stir constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy finish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything, combine the ingredients, and store in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or try a different cheese blend? Did you go low-carb with zucchini noodles?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Find more cozy dinner recipes like this on my Pinterest @ Meals We Share By Sally.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is one of those dishes that hits the sweet spot between comforting and wholesome. It combines simple ingredients into a creamy, crave-worthy meal that works any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a meal prep session, or to impress guests, this pasta recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and satisfaction.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?