If comfort food had a face, it would look a lot like the Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe. Imagine forkfuls of tender chicken mingling with perfectly al dente pasta and vibrant broccoli, all coated in a rich, creamy sauce that sings with real cheddar, Parmesan, and plenty of aromatic garlic. This is one of those wonder dishes that you whip up on a busy night but serves the cozy satisfaction of something much fancier. It’s family-friendly, lightning-fast, and guaranteed to have everyone sneaking back for seconds.

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of classic kitchen staples to make this dish — each one plays an important role! These ingredients come together in a happy symphony of flavor, ensuring your Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is as irresistible as it is simple to create.

Pasta: Go for penne or rotini to catch all that creamy sauce — either type gives the dish hearty texture and great bite.
Olive Oil: Adds just the right touch of richness and ensures the chicken gets golden on the outside.
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, and diced for quick, even cooking — a blank canvas for the garlicky sauce.
Broccoli Florets: Their crisp, bright-green bite lightens the dish and sneaks in extra nutrition.
Garlic: Four cloves (yes, four!) infuse deep, savory aroma into every helping.
All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to thicken the sauce so it hugs the pasta and broccoli perfectly.
Milk: Makes the sauce luscious and creamy without being too heavy.
Chicken Broth: Adds flavor depth and brings the sauce together with a savory edge.
Salt: Enhances all the cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Black Pepper: For a hint of background warmth and bite.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings bold flavor and that signature cheesy meltiness.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity and finishes the sauce like a pro.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Start by setting a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions, but here’s the little magic trick: toss in the broccoli florets for the last two minutes so they blanch right along with the pasta. Not only does this save a pot, it ensures your broccoli is perfectly bright and tender-crisp. Drain everything together and set aside while you create that golden sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Garlic

While the pasta is working, heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sizzle until nicely browned and cooked through, which only takes about 5-6 minutes. Don’t rush; golden bits mean flavor! Scatter in your minced garlic for the last minute, letting it bloom but not burn. That mouthwatering aroma? It’s the heart of the Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe!

Step 3: Whisk up the Cheesy Garlic Sauce

Sprinkle flour evenly over the chicken and garlic, then stir it in for about 30 seconds. This forms the base for your creamy sauce. Whisk in the milk and chicken broth, smoothing out any lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and watch as it thickens up — this usually takes 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper, then remove from the heat and stir in both cheeses until melted and silky-smooth.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Add your cooked pasta and broccoli right into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss it all together, making sure every piece gets a good coating of that luscious, cheesy garlic sauce. If things seem a little thick, a splash of reserved pasta water brings it back to saucy perfection. Heat through until everything’s bubbling and irresistible.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle the finished dish with a little more grated Parmesan or some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes is fantastic for those who like a little heat, and a final drizzle of quality olive oil adds a glossy, restaurant-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

The Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think crisp Caesar salad, pillowy garlic bread, or a platter of roasted veggies. These add extra crunch and keep things balanced, so you can really savor all that cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun dinner parties or family meals, serve your pasta in individual bowls with a wedge of lemon for squeezing. Or, mound it in a big rustic serving dish, scatter microgreens on top, and let everyone dig in family-style. Leftovers make incredible gourmet lunches packed in thermoses, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any uneaten Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. It holds up well — the sauce may thicken, but a splash of milk or broth revives it perfectly.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this recipe! Cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, especially so the broccoli doesn’t get too soft.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed. The microwave works in a pinch — cover loosely and use short bursts, stirring between each for even heating. Avoid overcooking to keep that chicken and broccoli just right.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! Short shapes like fusilli, ziti, or even shells work beautifully, catching the sauce and bits of broccoli. Whole wheat or gluten-free varieties are fine too.

Is it possible to make the sauce even creamier?

Yes — add a couple tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce, or use half-and-half instead of milk. This will make your Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe extra velvety.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Cooked shrimp or leftover rotisserie chicken are both delicious. You could even try seared tofu for a vegetarian twist, just use veggie broth in the sauce.

How do I keep the broccoli from overcooking?

Add the broccoli to the pasta water for just the last two minutes of boiling — this keeps it tender yet crisp. Avoid simmering it in the sauce for too long afterwards.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out?

Add a generous splash of milk or broth before reheating, and warm it slowly on the stove while stirring. This brings the sauce back to its creamy, dreamy state without drying out the chicken.

Final Thoughts

There’s a good reason the Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a beloved go-to in so many kitchens — it’s comfort in a bowl, loaded with flavor, and endlessly flexible. Whether you’re making dinner for a busy weeknight or treating loved ones to something special, give this recipe a try and see just how quickly it becomes a favorite in your home, too!