🍲 Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta: A Creamy, Comforting One-Pot Wonder

Is there anything more satisfying than a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that comes together in one pot? This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate weeknight hero comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a complete meal packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce that clings to every noodle. Perfect for busy families, meal prep, or when you simply crave a hug in a bowl, this recipe promises deliciousness with minimal cleanup. Let’s transform simple ingredients into a spectacular dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely have most of them in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece.

Main Ingredients List

• Pasta: 12 oz (340g) of short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli. Their shapes hold the sauce beautifully.
• Chicken: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Broccoli: 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets (about 4-5 cups).
• Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced, and 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Broth & Cream: 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for richness.
• Cheese, Please!: 2 cups freshly shredded cheese. Use a blend like sharp cheddar for meltability and Monterey Jack or mozzarella for stretch. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
• Seasonings: 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
• Finishing Touch: 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for cooking, and fresh parsley for garnish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple, numbered steps for a foolproof, creamy pasta dish every single time.

Preparing the Chicken and Aromatics

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and the paprika. This step ensures flavorful, golden chicken.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through yet. Remove the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Building the One-Pot Sauce Base

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of oil or a bit of butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Add the dried Italian seasoning. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that’s packed with flavor!
5. Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a lively simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle bubble. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Adding the Veggies and Finishing the Dish

6. Incorporate Broccoli: After 10 minutes, stir in the broccoli florets and the partially cooked chicken (along with any juices). Cover again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
7. Create the Cheese Sauce: Turn off the heat. Gradually sprinkle in the 2 cups of shredded cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Pasta

• Grate Your Own Cheese: This is the single best tip for a velvety sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Add it in the last 5-7 minutes to retain its vibrant color and a slight bite (al dente). No one likes mushy broccoli!
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick after adding cheese, stir in a splash of warm broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it sit off the heat for a few minutes; it will thicken as it cools slightly.
• Customize It: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, swap broccoli for cauliflower, or add mushrooms with the onions. Use a gluten-free pasta blend if needed.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.

Time to Dig In!

And there you have it a restaurant-worthy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta made effortlessly in your own kitchen. This recipe proves that a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal doesn’t require complicated techniques or a mountain of dirty dishes. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli create a harmony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.

So, grab your favorite skillet and give this recipe a try tonight. It’s guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Don’t forget to share your creation and tag us! What’s your favorite addition to a cheesy pasta dish? Let us know in the comments below