Cheddar Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Cheddar Chicken Broccoli Pasta - The most delicious cheesy chicken pasta loaded with broccoli in a creamy sauce. You and your family are going to love this easy kid-friendly dinner recipe!

I'm so excited to share my creamy and cheesy chicken and broccoli pasta casserole with you! Not only is this recipe easy to make, it's a major crowd pleaser!

I also love this pasta because it's an excellent budget-friendly meal. This dish will serve about 5-6 people depending on everyone's appetite. If you are cooking for a very large crowd, simply double the recipe.

Ingredients you need to make my Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta:

Chicken Breasts - Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs will work great.

Penne Pasta - Any short-cut pasta will work fine! We use penne.

Broccoli - Fresh or frozen broccoli both work well. You will need one pound of equivalent to two cups.

Yellow Onion - You can use yellow or white onion in this pasta.

Garlic - Fresh garlic cloves are always best.

Butter - We use a combination of butter and oil to cook the chicken and veggies.

Oil - We use olive or avocado oil.

Chicken Broth - We use chicken broth to make the cheesy pasta sauce. You can use low sodium or regular.

Milk - Half and half or whole milk can be used in the pasta sauce.

All-Purpose Flour - We use flour to thicken the creamy cheese pasta sauce.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese - A good quality sharp cheddar cheese will give you the best cheesy flavor.

Seasonings - Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Paprika, Dried Parsley.

How To Make Cheddar Chicken Broccoli Pasta:

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add ¼ cup of water, broccoli and a pinch of salt. Cover and steam until broccoli is tender but not mush. Carefully transfer broccoli from skillet to a bowl.

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside for later.

Season chicken on all sides with black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and parsley.

Heat ½ tablespoon butter and ½ tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, add seasoned chicken. Cover and cook until golden, then flip and cook until internal temperature is at least 165 degrees. Transfer chicken to a cutting board to let cool, then cut into bite size pieces.

In the same skillet, add remaining butter, oil and onions. Cover and cook until tender. Add minced garlic and cook another minute. Sprinkle in flour and remaining salt. Slowly stir in milk followed by the chicken broth. Stir in 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese.

Add pasta, chicken and broccoli to the sauce and stir to combine. Sprinkle top with remaining cheese. Cover for a few minutes to let cheese melt. Enjoy!

Tools to have on hand:

• Large Skillet + Large Saucepan – To boil your pasta and for cooking chicken, broccoli and pasta sauce.
• Measuring Cups + Spoons – To properly measure all of your ingredients.
• Cheese Grater - To grate your cheddar cheese. This grater is awesome.
• Cutting Board + Chef Knife - For chopping the onions and chicken.

Sides To Serve With Pasta:

• Simple Caesar Salad - My quick and easy caesar salad is made with homemade dressing, crunchy romaine, croutons and freshly shaved parmesan cheese. 
• Rustic French Bread - Dutch oven bread recipe you can easily make in the comfort of your home! 
• Easy Homemade Garlic Bread - Classic garlic bread recipe with one secret ingredient that places this garlic bread above the rest.

More Chicken Pasta Recipes You'll Love:

• Chicken Bacon Alfredo - Mouthwatering delicious pasta recipe made with tender pieces of seasoned chicken and crisp bacon in creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Southwest Chicken Alfredo - Made with seasoned pan seared chicken, onions, garlic and penne pasta tossed in a mouthwatering southwest style cream sauce.
• Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta - Easy and delicious pasta recipe made with tender pieces of seasoned chicken in a flavorful creamy tomato sauce.
• Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo - Fettuccine tossed in a quick and easy homemade Alfredo sauce topped with golden seared chicken breast.