Description
Make dinner feel like comfort food heaven with this quick and satisfying Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and rotini pasta are coated in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. If you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, a cozy one-pan meal, or a healthy-ish option packed with protein and veggies, this dish checks every box.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
3 cups rotini pasta
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in a large skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Add broccoli florets to the pot during the last 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth. Let simmer until thickened.
5. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
6. Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss until well coated with sauce.
7. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture than pre-shredded.
Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Use penne or fusilli if rotini isn’t available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: easy recipe, chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, one pan dinner, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, creamy pasta, dinner ideas