Description
A creamy, comforting one-pan pasta dish made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich garlic cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk (or half-and-half)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the broccoli florets. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the broccoli is cooked through.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or optional spices as desired. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian variation.
Try mozzarella or gouda for a different cheese flavor profile.
Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
