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Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This delicious and creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta features tender pasta with chicken, broccoli florets, and a cheddar cheese sauce. It can be cooked on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot for an even easier method.

This delicious easy weeknight meal is ready in just 20 minutes and is full of all the flavors that your family loves. Best of all, it’s a whole meal in one dish with plenty of protein and vegetables. 

Chicken broccoli pasta served in a white bowl.

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This delicious Chicken Broccoli Pasta is always a winner dinner at our house. It's a creamy, cheesy pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal and a great way to sneak in some vegetables.

If you're short on time, you can make this using the Instant Pot, which can be a real lifesaver. In the Instant Pot, everything comes together effortlessly and quickly, making it a fantastic option for busy days. Directions are in the recipe card below.

When serving this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, I like to sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top and serve it with a slice of garlic bread or my Tomato Focaccia Bread. You can also add a dash of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. 

This dish is a real crowd-pleaser, and it's an excellent way to get your family to eat their veggies without complaints. It's a dish that's become a regular on my dinner rotation!

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

Ingredients to make chicken broccoli pasta set out on the counter.
  • Butter: Melts and adds richness to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Infuses the dish with a delightful aromatic and savory flavor.
  • Onion Powder: Provides a subtle background flavor and enhances the overall taste.
  • Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and seasoning to the sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning and Parsley: A blend of herbs that brings Italian-inspired flavors to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
  • Milk: Creates a creamy and velvety texture for the sauce.
  • Pasta: The main ingredient, serving as the hearty and filling component of the dish.
  • Broccoli: Adds a pop of color and a delightful crunch to the pasta.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce, providing a rich and cheesy flavor.
  • Cooked Shredded or Cubed Chicken: Adds protein to make the dish more filling.

How To Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Butter and garlic in Dutch oven.
Onion powder, pepper, Italian seasoning and parsley added to butter and garlic in Dutch oven.
Butter garlic seasoning mixture in a Dutch oven.

Start by melting butter in a big saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Once the butter's bubbling, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. You'll know they're ready when they start to release their amazing aroma.

Now, it's time to sprinkle in some onion powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Stir them in and let them mingle for another 30 seconds. These seasonings are going to add a world of flavor to your dish.

Pour in the chicken broth and milk. This combo is going to create a creamy, savory base for your pasta.

Pasta added to the chicken broth mixture in the Dutch oven.
Broccoli and chicken are added to the pasta in the Dutch oven.

Add the pasta to the mix and cover it. Let it all simmer for about 8 minutes.

When those 8 minutes are up, add in the broccoli and cooked chicken. Let it cook for another 5 minutes. You want the pasta to be tender, and the broccoli to be just the right amount of crunchy.

Broccoli and chicken stirred into pasta in the Dutch oven.
Shredded cheese added to chicken broccoli pasta in Dutch oven.

Remove the pan from the heat. Don't worry if there's still a little liquid left; that's going to help make your sauce.

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Now you're ready to serve up a plate of comforting Chicken Broccoli Pasta!

Serving of chicken broccoli pasta in a white bowl.

Recipe Variations

  • Skip the chicken. Skip the chicken and make it a vegetarian dish. You can add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more flavor and nutrition.
  • Make it alfredo.  Instead of the cheddar cheese, make a creamy Alfredo sauce by mixing in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. This will give your dish a rich and indulgent twist.
  • Add some heat. Toss in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic. This will give your Chicken Broccoli Pasta a spicy kick.
  • Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or preferences.

Storing and Freezing

To store your Chicken Broccoli Pasta, allow it to cool, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate for 3 days. 

For freezing, let it cool completely, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Tips

  • Keep an eye on your pasta as it cooks. You want it tender, not mushy, so taste-test a piece a minute or two before the suggested time.
  •  If you like your broccoli with a bit of crunch, follow the recipe instructions. For a softer texture, add the broccoli a bit earlier during the simmer.
  •  Stir in the cheese off the heat. This prevents it from becoming grainy and ensures a silky sauce.
  • When using an Instant Pot, remember to pre-cook the broccoli to avoid overcooking. It can turn mushy under pressure.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?

Yes, you can choose any pasta variety you like, from spaghetti to penne, depending on your preference.

What other cheese can I use besides cheddar?

While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with mozzarella, Parmesan, Gruyere, or any cheese that melts well for a different flavor.

Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use an Instant Pot. In the Instant Pot, everything comes together effortlessly and quickly, making it a fantastic option for busy days. Just follow the instructions listed in the notes on the recipe card below.

Serving of chicken and broccoli pasta in a white bowl.

Here are a few more easy pasta recipes!

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that's super easy to make, and I can't wait for you to give it a try! It's a meal the whole family will love, with its perfect blend of tender pasta, crunchy broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Serving of chicken broccoli pasta in a white bowl.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Author: Judy Wilson
This creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta features tender pasta with chicken, broccoli florets, and a cheddar cheese sauce for an easy dinner recipe.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 337 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon parsley
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 8 ounces pasta
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cooked chicken (diced or shredded)

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Add onion powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, and sauté, stirring for another 30 seconds.
  • Add chicken broth, milk, and pasta.
  • Cover and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 8 minutes.
  • Add broccoli and cooked chicken and cook an additional 5 minutes until pasta is tender.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese. There will still be some liquid left in the pan. This helps make the cheese saucy and thickens as it sits.
  • Instant Pot Instructions are listed below in the recipe note section.

Notes

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta in the Instant Pot
Ingredient change: Broccoli should be precooked. (If you add the broccoli to the instant pot to cook, it will be overcooked.)
  1. Set the Instant pot to sauté, and melt butter.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  3. Add onion powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, and sauté, stirring for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add chicken broth, milk, and pasta.
  5. Fix the lid on the Instant Pot and close the pressure valve.
  6. Select manual, and set the Instant Pot for 4 minutes.
  7. When time is up, manually release pressure, open the lid, and add broccoli, chicken, and cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 18gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 494mgPotassium: 381mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 670IUVitamin C: 41mgCalcium: 225mgIron: 1mg
The nutritional information provided is approximate and should only be used as a general guideline. It is an estimate that will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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