Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, shells, rigatoni, etc.); 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups milk; 2 cups broccoli florets (from 1 head of broccoli); ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a creamy and comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant broccoli florets are coated in a rich and cheesy sauce, making for a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, less stress! This recipe comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and fresh broccoli creates a delicious and satisfying meal that you can customize with your favorite pasta and cheese.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving a delicious and home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious one-pan pasta dish:

Olive oil: For cooking the chicken and vegetables.
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into small bite-sized pieces.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Onion: Chopped, for flavor and texture.
Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
Pasta: Uncooked, such as penne, shells, or rigatoni. You can use other small-shaped pasta as well.
Chicken broth: Low sodium, adds flavor and moisture to the sauce.
Milk: Creates a creamy texture.
Broccoli: Cut into small florets, for added nutrition and color.
Nutmeg: Adds a warm and slightly sweet spice to the sauce.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded, for a cheesy and melty sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the onion softens slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and milk to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, stir, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli and Finish

Uncover the skillet and stir in the broccoli florets. Continue cooking for a couple more minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated and the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Season

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the nutmeg and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use high-quality cheese: The better the quality of your cheese, the better the flavor of the dish.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.
Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk or broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

One-Pan Meal: This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.
Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats or vegetables.
Lunchbox Friendly: Pack leftovers for a delicious and convenient lunch.