Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta! This dish is like a warm hug after a long day. The creamy texture and rich flavors come together in a way that makes every bite feel like pure comfort. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the looks on their faces were priceless! It quickly became our go-to dish for family dinners. The garlic aroma fills the kitchen, and you just know something delicious is on the way! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your home too. Perfect for any night of the week!

Ingredients List

Before diving into the cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this delicious cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta. Here’s the complete list of ingredients:

8 oz pasta (I love using fettuccine, but any pasta you prefer works!)
1 lb chicken breast, diced (make sure it’s nice and fresh for the best flavor)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch!)
4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy with the garlic—it’s the star here!)
1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, creamy sauce)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (you can never have too much cheese!)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing, it gives everything a nice richness)
Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key, so don’t skip it!)

With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to whip up a comforting dish that everyone will love!

How to Prepare Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Now, let’s get cooking! This cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta comes together in a flash, so follow along with me step by step. You’re going to love how easy this is!

Cooking the Pasta

First things first, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. I usually go for al dente, which means it’ll have a little bite to it! Make sure to stir it occasionally while it’s cooking to prevent sticking. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside—don’t forget to save a bit of that pasta water! It’s a secret weapon for our sauce later.

Sautéing the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced chicken and let it sizzle away! Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. The golden color adds so much flavor, and your kitchen will smell amazing!

Adding Garlic and Broccoli

Next up, add the minced garlic to the skillet and let it cook for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Then, throw in the broccoli florets and stir everything together. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. You want that perfect combination of crispy and tender!

Creating the Cheese Sauce

Now, it’s time to pour in that luscious heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and keep stirring until it’s all melted and creamy. This stage is where the magic happens—trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!

Combining Ingredients

Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix everything until the pasta is well coated in that cheesy sauce. If it looks a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and wow, you’re ready to serve up this creamy, dreamy dish!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! This cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta serves up about 600 calories per generous portion. You’ll get 30g of fat, with 15g of that being saturated fat. It’s a protein powerhouse too, boasting around 35g of protein per serving! Plus, there are 60g of carbs and 3g of fiber to keep you satisfied. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in this delightful dish!

Tips for Success

To make sure your cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use fresh ingredients—fresh chicken and broccoli make a world of difference in flavor. When cooking the pasta, don’t forget to salt the water; it should taste like the ocean! This adds essential flavor right from the start. Also, keep an eye on your cheese sauce; stirring continuously will help it melt into that creamy goodness without clumping. If you want to amp up the garlic flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two! And lastly, taste as you go; adjusting the seasoning is key to making this dish sing!

Variations

One of the best things about this cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta is how adaptable it is! If you’re in the mood for something different, try swapping out the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Both options add their own unique flavors! You can also play with the cheeses—mix in some sharp cheddar for a different zing or a bit of goat cheese for creaminess with a tangy kick. Want to sneak in more veggies? Toss in some spinach or bell peppers along with the broccoli. The possibilities are endless, and you can truly make this dish your own every time!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta experience, consider pairing it with a crisp side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The freshness will balance the richness of the dish beautifully! Garlic bread is also a fantastic side—who can resist dipping that buttery goodness into the creamy sauce? And don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon to refresh your palate. Enjoy every bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about my cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta:

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken, broccoli, and sauce ahead of time, then just combine everything with the pasta when you’re ready to serve. It tastes just as delicious!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce may be a bit lighter. Just be sure to use a bit more cheese to keep that creaminess!

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to help loosen the sauce.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet!

What can I substitute for chicken?
Feel free to swap in shrimp, tofu, or even cooked sausage for a fun twist! Each will bring its own delicious flavor to the dish.

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: 5 Comforting Steps

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with garlic, chicken, and broccoli.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 cups broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add broccoli and cook until tender.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Add mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir until melted.
Add cooked pasta and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.
For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 600
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli pasta

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