Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

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Nothing beats the comfort of a creamy pasta dish, especially when it’s brimming with flavor and loaded with wholesome ingredients. This Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the perfect combination of rich, cheesy goodness and fresh green bites. Tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked rotini, and crisp broccoli florets all come together in a luscious garlic cheese sauce that clings to every swirl of pasta.

This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even a cozy night in. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to option for busy evenings. One pot, one great meal.


Ingredients for this Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta


Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain everything and set aside.


Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.


Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.


Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Gradually stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Reduce the heat to low.


Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli. Gently toss to coat everything evenly with the cheesy garlic sauce. Let it sit on low heat for 2–3 minutes to fully warm through and allow the flavors to meld.


Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon into bowls and, if desired, sprinkle with extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, garlicky, cheesy flavor in every bite.


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Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta


  • Author: Olivia McKenney
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

This Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate one-pan comfort food. It’s packed with tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and rotini pasta all coated in a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something hearty and satisfying without too much fuss.


Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

2 cups broccoli florets

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon butter


Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente. In the last 3 minutes, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Slowly stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
  6. Return chicken to the pan. Add pasta and broccoli. Stir to combine and heat through.
  7. Serve hot with optional extra Parmesan and pepper.


  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner

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