Description
A creamy, comforting Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets to the pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cooking to soften them. Drain both pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked chicken and garlic, stirring to coat. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth to avoid lumps. Simmer the mixture until it thickens into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, then stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli in the skillet with the cheese sauce, heating everything through and ensuring the sauce evenly coats the pasta and vegetables.
Notes
- Use full-fat milk for a creamier sauce, or substitute with a lower-fat milk to reduce calories.
- To add extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning with the garlic.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For gluten-free option, substitute pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the sauce.
- Make sure to stir the sauce continuously while adding milk and broth to avoid lumps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, garlic chicken pasta, broccoli pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner recipe
