Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying meals that pack serious flavor, and this chicken and broccoli pasta recipe delivers on every front.

Tender chicken chunks mingle deliciously with crisp broccoli florets in a creamy, comforting sauce that sings with simplicity.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty punch, while garlic and herbs lift the entire dish into something special.

Home cooks adore how easily this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference, turning basic pantry staples into a meal everyone wants to devour.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delectable pasta and watch it become your new weeknight favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 575 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Full Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides hearty texture and satisfying flavor for the main dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds intense, tangy sweetness and concentrated tomato essence to elevate the overall taste profile.

• Pipe Rigate Pasta: Tubular shape perfectly captures creamy sauce and holds ingredients beautifully.
• Broccoli Florets: Brings vibrant green color, nutritional boost, and subtle earthy crunch to the recipe.
• Onion, Garlic: Creates aromatic base layer with deep, savory undertones that enhance entire dish's complexity.

• Butter, Milk, Vegetable Broth: Builds rich, silky sauce foundation with layered depth and smooth consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Crucial thickening agent that helps sauce develop perfect creamy texture.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, sharp flavor and melts into luxurious, velvety sauce.
• Slap Ya Mama® Seasoning, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Provides dynamic, multi-dimensional spice profile with balanced heat and complex seasoning notes.

Equipment and Tools for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking pasta and blanching broccoli, with ample space for boiling water.
• Colander: Crucial for draining pasta and broccoli thoroughly after cooking.
• Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Perfect for cooking chicken, onions, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking during cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, milk, and seasonings.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for grating fresh cheddar cheese for the sauce.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes with precision.

Instructions for Making Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta until soft. Toss broccoli into the pot during the last few minutes to steam quickly. Drain and set aside with sun-dried tomatoes.

• Chicken Sizzle

Heat a skillet and melt butter. Add chicken chunks and diced onions. Sprinkle with spices and cook until meat turns golden and onions become translucent.

• Creamy Transformation

Dust chicken with flour and stir. Pour in milk and broth, creating a silky liquid. Let the mixture bubble and thicken, stirring occasionally.

• Cheese Magic

Sprinkle cheese into the sauce, watching it melt and blend smoothly. Pour the rich sauce over pasta and broccoli, mixing until everything is wonderfully coated.

• Delightful Serving

Plate the pasta and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve with a crisp side salad or warm bread for a complete meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Tasty Add-In Ideas for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Cheese Adventure: Experiment with different cheese types like mozzarella, pepper jack, or parmesan to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase nutrition and add more color and texture to the dish.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the red pepper flakes and Slap Ya Mama® seasoning to make the pasta mild or extra spicy, tailoring the heat to your personal spice tolerance.
• Dietary Modifications: Use gluten-free pasta and flour, replace milk with plant-based alternatives, and select dairy-free cheese to make this recipe completely gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Serving Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for Dinner or Lunch

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this creamy chicken and broccoli pasta with a crisp garden salad to balance the rich, cheesy sauce and add fresh, light texture.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Serve alongside warm, buttery garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a delightful crunch.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of unoaked chardonnay or a light pinot grigio to enhance the creamy flavors and cut through the richness of the cheese.
• Quick Leftover Makeover: Transform any remaining pasta into a delicious cold pasta salad by adding fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing next-day lunch.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Storage Guidelines

• Refrigerator Storage Strategies: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy noodles.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve sauce consistency.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to revive creamy sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Microwave works in a pinch, but can slightly separate the sauce.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare chicken and sauce components separately during weekend cooking sessions. Store protein and sauce in separate containers, combining with fresh pasta when ready to eat. This technique maintains ingredient quality and reduces weeknight cooking stress.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken and broccoli pasta delivers comfort through creamy parmesan sauce and tender protein. Savory ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you can enjoy with family or friends.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
• 2 cups (480 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 16 oz (454 g) pipe rigate pasta
• 2½ cups (600 ml) milk
• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) broccoli florets
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 oz (85 g) sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water pot to a vigorous boil, cooking pasta until perfectly al dente while simultaneously blanching broccoli florets during the final cooking minutes to maintain their vibrant green hue and crisp texture.
2. Protein and Aromatics Sauté: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and introduce diced chicken breasts, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Season aggressively with Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, cooking until chicken achieves golden perfection and onions become translucent.
3. Sauce Foundation: Dust the cooked chicken with flour, ensuring thorough coating and allowing a brief toasting to eliminate raw flour essence. Gradually introduce milk and vegetable broth, whisking continuously to create a silky, lump-free sauce that gently simmers and thickens.
4. Cheese Integration: Reduce heat and fold in grated cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and harmoniously blended into the creamy sauce. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes into the pasta and broccoli mixture, then lavishly drench with the cheese sauce, guaranteeing complete and luxurious coverage.
5. Serving Presentation: Transfer the decadent pasta dish to serving plates, accompanying with a crisp salad or warm, buttered crusty bread to complete this sumptuous culinary experience.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta al dente and add broccoli during last 3 minutes to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Seasoning Strategy: Use Slap Ya Mama® and blend of spices for deep, robust flavor profile that elevates chicken’s taste.
• Flour Power: Dust chicken with flour carefully to create thickening base and eliminate raw flour taste before adding liquids.
• Sauce Secrets: Whisk milk and broth slowly to prevent lumps, ensuring smooth, creamy consistency that clings perfectly to pasta and chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg