One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those magic dishes that brings comfort, speed, and cheesy goodness all in one pot. Imagine tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and pasta smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that comes together without a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want hearty, homemade food without fuss. If you love cozy meals that make your kitchen smell amazing and your family smile, you’re going to adore this recipe as much as I do.
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What Makes This So Good
This One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Recipe balances creamy, cheesy sauce with the freshness of broccoli and the satisfying protein of chicken, all made effortlessly in one pot. It’s a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, without causing any overwhelm in your kitchen.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: Cooking everything in one pot means all the flavors meld beautifully without juggling pans or dishes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy sauce and tender chicken paired with a sneaky serving of broccoli.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples plus fresh broccoli and chicken make this recipe approachable for any home cook.
- Works Any Night: Whether it’s a rushed weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredient Guide
When selecting ingredients for your One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Recipe, a little thought can go a long way toward great flavor and texture. Here’s how I approach each key ingredient and some swaps if you want to mix things up:
- Chicken breasts: Fresh, boneless, skinless pieces cook evenly and absorb the flavors beautifully. You can swap for thighs for juicier meat, but watch the cooking time.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh is best to keep that vibrant green color and a satisfying slight crunch. Frozen works too—just thaw and drain well to avoid extra water.
- Pasta (penne or rotini): Choose shapes that hold onto sauce well. If swapping, avoid very thin pastas; they cook too fast in the one-pot method.
- Chicken broth: A quality broth amps up the overall flavor. Low-sodium versions let you better control seasoning.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the sauce a great tang and meltiness. Pre-shredded is convenient, but freshly shredded melts more smoothly.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by dicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces, roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Season with salt and pepper—you don’t want bland chicken here! Wash and chop your broccoli into small florets to ensure they’ll cook quickly. Have your pasta measured, and your chicken broth poured and ready to go. If you want, preheat your pot with olive oil over medium heat before adding the chicken. Setting everything out makes the cooking flow smooth and stress-free.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Once your pot is hot, add the olive oil and sear the chicken pieces. You’ll notice them turning a lovely golden brown—that’s your cue the flavors are developing well. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush it; that brown crust carries the flavor through the whole dish. Remove the chicken and set aside. Next, add pasta, chicken broth, and garlic powder directly into the same pot. The broth will infuse the pasta with flavor as it softens. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer—stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. When the pasta is nearly tender (about 10 minutes), fold in the broccoli, and cook just a bit more so it’s tender but still bright green.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Now for the best part – the cheese and cream! Add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar right into the pot, stirring gently until everything melts together into a luxuriously creamy sauce. Return your cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve it steaming hot for maximum cozy vibes. You’ll enjoy the way the sauce clings to the pasta and chicken, with vibrant broccoli bites balancing out the richness.
Extra Helpful Tips
Having made this One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Recipe more times than I can count, here are some little secrets to keep it perfect every time.
- Watch for This Sign: When the pasta is al dente and still has some bite, that’s your cue to add the broccoli—overcooking it dulls the color and texture.
- Temperature Trick: Keep the heat moderate when adding cheese and cream to prevent the sauce from breaking or getting oily.
- Prep-Ahead Option: You can dice chicken and chop broccoli the night before to speed things up when you’re ready to cook.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t skip stirring as the pasta cooks—it can stick and burn on the bottom, which can turn the whole dish bitter.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Want to jazz this dish up? Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil right on top before serving. A handful of grated Parmesan adds a sharp contrast, or a pinch of red pepper flakes lifts the cheese’s richness. For more depth, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything beautifully. If you crave a veggie boost, add peas or sliced mushrooms along with the broccoli.
Tasty Pairings
This One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple salads like a crisp Caesar or mixed greens with vinaigrette. Crusty garlic bread or a buttery dinner roll offers a delightful contrast. For drinks, a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon keeps the meal balanced and refreshing.
Quick Plating Tips
Serve straight from the pot to keep it cozy, or plate with a generous scoop and add a little extra cheese shaved on top. Garnish with chopped herbs and maybe a light drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper adds a little flair and depth right at the table.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
This dish stores well in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You’ll notice the sauce thickens in the fridge, which is totally normal. Just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it back up to that creamy texture you love.
Freezer Friendly?
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge to minimize sogginess. Adding a bit of extra cheese or cream when reheating helps restore that freshly made feel.
Reheat Like New
The best way to reheat is gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth, cream, or milk to keep it creamy and rich. A microwave works in a pinch—heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid dried-out edges.
One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! While cheddar gives a great melt and sharpness, you can try mozzarella for a milder melt or Monterey Jack for a creamy texture. Just keep in mind the flavor and meltability when swapping.
Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine. Defrost and drain it well before adding to avoid adding excess water that may thin the sauce.
You can! Swap the chicken for hearty veggies like mushrooms or add plant-based protein like chickpeas. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
You don’t need to completely cook the pasta first. Cook it until almost al dente, then add the broccoli to finish cooking together. This keeps the broccoli vibrant and pasta perfectly tender.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Recipe as much as I do. It’s truly a reliable weeknight superstar that feels special without the stress. If you try it, don’t forget to drop a star rating or share your favorite twist in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Next time, maybe add some sun-dried tomatoes or swap broccoli for asparagus to keep things fresh and exciting.
Print📖 Recipe
One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Recipe
A comforting and easy one-pot recipe featuring tender chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and creamy cheesy pasta, all cooked together for a quick and delicious meal with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: In the same pot, add the pasta, chicken broth, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally as the pasta cooks for about 10 minutes until it starts to become tender.
- Add broccoli and finish cooking: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Create the creamy cheese sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese into the pot, mixing continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pot, stirring well to combine all the ingredients evenly. Serve the one-pot cheesy broccoli and chicken pasta hot for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can swap broccoli for other vegetables like spinach, peas, or asparagus.
- Use low-fat cream or milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or garlic powder to taste.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking pasta to prevent sticking to the pot.
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