Description
A one-pan creamy pasta dish with juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and two types of cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta shells or rotini
2 chicken breasts, diced
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
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.
Notes
For richer flavor, try substituting gouda or mozzarella for cheddar.
To lighten the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to keep it from drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Cheesy chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, easy pasta dinner