Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
A creamy and comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and farfalle pasta in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup butter
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Vegetables and Pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups farfalle pasta
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to a bowl. Season with black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss well to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Pre-cook Broccoli and Pasta: Parboil the broccoli florets in boiling water for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. In a separate large pot of boiling salted water, cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Melt the butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle bubble while whisking continuously. Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese while whisking until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the parboiled broccoli and the cooked pasta. Toss everything gently to fully coat with the cheesy sauce. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Parboiling broccoli ensures it retains a slightly crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for best melting results and flavor.
- You can substitute farfalle pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
- Adjust seasoning to taste especially salt since cheese adds saltiness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or reduce butter.
Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, creamy chicken pasta, farfalle pasta, quick dinner, family meal
Find it online: https://lucabites.com/cheesy-chicken-broccoli-pasta-recipe/
