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Delicious cheesy garlic chicken served with broccoli pasta

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

A cozy, quick comfort food that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce over pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 640

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta Choose based on preference.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces) Uniform size for even cooking.
  • 4 cups broccoli florets Can use pre-cut to save time.
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic enhances flavor.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk Whole milk recommended for creaminess.
  • 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 Optional garnish.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions; add the broccoli for the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sear until golden, about 4–5 minutes, stirring once.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Making the Sauce
  1. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and stir to coat until it forms a light paste.
  2. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, scraping any brown bits from the pan. Lower the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Once thickened, stir in salt, pepper, cheddar, and Parmesan until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
Combining Everything
  1. Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli into the skillet, stirring until everything is combined and heated through. Serve hot.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.