One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken and broccoli combine with pasta in this creamy one-pot dinner that's quick and kid-approved. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 28 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz unfolded penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound cut chicken breast pieces and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 3 cloves minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 8 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 cups fresh broccoli florets and 1 cup half-and-half. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until pasta is tender and broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce coating the pasta and chicken. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
