Craving a cozy dinner that brings together creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli all in one bite? Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is your one-pan solution to midweek dinner stress, combining comfort and nutrition in a dish that even picky eaters love.

This pasta dish is more than just hearty; it’s a creamy, cheesy, protein-packed bowl of goodness that satisfies every craving. The magic lies in the balance—al dente pasta meets juicy chicken chunks, crisp-tender broccoli, and a silky cheese sauce that wraps around every bite. Perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or a meal prep win.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta seamless from prep to plate, here’s what you’ll need:

Large Nonstick Skillet or Sauté Pan: Crucial for cooking the chicken evenly and simmering the sauce without sticking.
Medium Pot: To blanch the broccoli briefly, keeping it vibrant and slightly crunchy.
Colander: For draining your pasta and broccoli without overcooking.
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For cleanly dicing chicken and chopping broccoli.
Whisk: Helps emulsify the cheese sauce, ensuring a smooth, lump-free finish.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring pasta gently so it doesn’t break.

Each of these tools plays a role in making the process efficient and mess-free. The right equipment can be the difference between a chaotic kitchen and a calm cooking experience.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Pasta Shells or Rotini: These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Chicken Breast: Lean and protein-rich, it provides the hearty base of the dish.
Fresh Broccoli Florets: Adds vibrant color, nutrients, and texture contrast.
Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, melty richness to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Enhances depth and saltiness without overpowering.
Heavy Cream: The foundation for a luscious, velvety cheese sauce.
Garlic: Adds an aromatic layer that complements the chicken and cheese.
Butter: Helps cook the chicken and garlic, while giving the sauce richness.
Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and sears it to golden perfection.

How To Make the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

In the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, toss the broccoli into the boiling water. Drain both together and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in cheddar and parmesan until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the pan. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.

Step 7: Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Serve this creamy pasta fresh from the stovetop while the cheese sauce is still silky and the broccoli bright. It pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a comforting and complete dinner. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika can add a little kick if you’re in the mood for heat.

To store, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life and avoid dryness. For best results, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave at medium power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw and pat it dry before adding to prevent watering down the sauce.

What pasta shapes work best?

Shells, rotini, or penne are ideal because they trap the creamy sauce in every bite.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?

Absolutely. Thighs bring a richer flavor and stay juicy—just trim the excess fat.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduced-fat cheese. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. If prepping in advance, keep the pasta and sauce separate until just before serving.

What other veggies can I use?

Mushrooms, spinach, or peas are great swaps or additions to mix things up.

Want More Cheesy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you’re into creamy, cheesy pasta dishes with a savory chicken twist, there are plenty more for you to try.

Start with the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, which adds a spicy Southern kick to the creamy pasta game. For a slow-cooked comfort meal, try Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti — an effortless classic.

Feeling adventurous? The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe layers bold flavor and gooey cheese for a crowd-pleaser. Or give your skillet a workout with the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta for something smoky, cheesy, and irresistibly good.

For more structured meals with the same craveable flavors, you might also love the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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Tried this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta? Let me know how it turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Use gouda instead of cheddar? Leave a comment below—I’d love to see your version.

For more cozy dinners and cheesy creations, check out my Pinterest board: LadyPlate on Pinterest

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A one-pan creamy pasta dish with juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and two types of cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.

2. In the final 2 minutes of boiling, add broccoli to the pasta water. Drain together and set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

4. Lower the heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, and sauté garlic until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream. Stir gently and slowly whisk in cheddar and parmesan cheese until smooth and melty.

6. Return pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the pan. Toss to coat in the cheese sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra parmesan if desired.