Description
This Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a delicious weeknight meal that balances protein, veggies, and indulgent taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, warming it until shimmering.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Simmer with cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to heat through and slightly thicken.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, forming a creamy sauce.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to combine evenly with the sauce, chicken, and vegetables.
- Season to taste: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne, rotini, or fusilli work well.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Broccoli can be substituted with other vegetables like spinach or asparagus.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to maintain its bright color and slight crunch.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
