Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pasta to wrap up a busy day. This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a velvety cheese sauce that feels like a hug in a bowl. It is a family-friendly favorite that is simple enough for a weekday but flavorful enough for everyone to ask for seconds.

Merken

The secret to this recipe is the smooth cheddar sauce made from a simple roux of butter and flour. By tossing the broccoli in with the pasta during the last two minutes of boiling, you keep it perfectly crisp-tender while saving time and reducing the number of pots to clean.

Ingredients

• 340 g (12 oz) penne or rotini pasta
• 2 chicken breasts (about 350 g/12 oz), cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups (150 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, adding the broccoli florets for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Reduce heat to low and mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the cheese sauce. Heat for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

Step 7

Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an even faster meal, you can substitute the chicken breasts with a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and add it to the skillet at the final step to warm through with the sauce.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese mixture.

Serviervorschläge

This creamy pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green side salad or warm garlic bread to soak up any remaining cheddar sauce.

Merken

Whether it is a busy Tuesday night or a relaxed weekend dinner, this Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is a reliable and delicious choice. Enjoy the rich, cheesy flavors and the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal made easy.