There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta — especially when it’s loaded with juicy chicken and vibrant broccoli. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it checks every box: quick, hearty, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether I’m cooking dinner for myself or trying to impress a guest with something that tastes like it took hours, this dish always hits the spot.

The combination of tender pasta shells, crisp-tender broccoli, seasoned chicken, and a silky cheese sauce is unbeatable. It’s a complete meal in one pan and has that magical balance of creamy and fresh. What I really love about this dish is how adaptable it is — you can toss in extra veggies, use rotisserie chicken, or even switch up the type of pasta depending on what you have on hand. It’s just that easy and reliable.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Fast & Fuss-Free: Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy sauce, and parents love the sneaky broccoli.
Balanced Meal: Protein, carbs, veggies — it’s all in here.
Versatile: Use leftover chicken, add mushrooms, swap cheeses — you can really make it your own.
So Creamy: The cheese sauce coats every bite like a dream, no dry pasta here.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta?

For this dish, I love using shell pasta (conchiglie) because it scoops up all the creamy cheesy sauce in every bite — plus it looks great in the bowl. But honestly, almost any short pasta will do the trick. Rotini, penne, or farfalle are all excellent alternatives that hold sauce well. If you want to make it a little more elevated, you could even use cavatappi for that extra curly texture.

The key is to choose a pasta shape that gives you plenty of surface area to catch that velvety cheese sauce. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or linguine for this one — they don’t pair quite as well with chunky ingredients like chicken and broccoli.

Options for Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how forgiving and flexible it is. Here are some easy swaps if you’re working with different ingredients:

Chicken: No cooked chicken? Use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken strips, or even canned chicken in a pinch.
Broccoli: Frozen broccoli works just as well — just steam or sauté it before adding. You can also swap in zucchini, spinach, or peas for a veggie twist.
Cheese: I love a mix of cheddar and parmesan, but you can go with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra flavor.
Milk/Cream: For the cheese sauce, use half-and-half, whole milk, or even unsweetened almond milk if you’re dairy-sensitive. A touch of cream cheese can also make it richer.
Pasta: Gluten-free? No problem. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.

This recipe really allows you to make it your own without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Shell Pasta
The shape holds the sauce beautifully and makes every bite feel hearty and satisfying.
Cooked Chicken Breast
Adds lean protein to the dish; using pre-cooked or leftover chicken keeps prep fast and simple.
Fresh Broccoli Florets
Bright, nutritious, and just slightly crisp — they balance out the richness of the cheese sauce.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
This is the base of our creamy sauce, offering that bold, classic cheesy flavor.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds a salty, umami kick that elevates the whole dish.
Milk or Half-and-Half
Helps create the luscious texture of the cheese sauce — choose whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess.
Butter
Used to start the roux and bring richness to the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour
Thickens the cheese sauce without making it heavy.
Garlic Powder
A simple way to add flavor depth without the fuss of mincing fresh garlic.
Salt & Black Pepper
Enhances all the other ingredients and balances the richness.

Optional: Red Pepper Flakes for a little heat, or a dash of paprika for warmth.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Steam or Blanch the Broccoli

While the pasta cooks, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until just tender and bright green. Drain and set aside — you want them cooked but not mushy.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly. Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth — about 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar and parmesan. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is silky. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Broccoli

Add the cooked chicken and broccoli into the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is coated and heated through.

Step 6: Toss with Pasta

Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed, and top with extra parmesan before serving.

How Long to Cook Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

The entire dish comes together in about 25 to 30 minutes:

Pasta cooking: 8–10 minutes
Broccoli blanching or steaming: 3–4 minutes
Cheese sauce: 7–8 minutes
Final assembly and toss: 3–5 minutes

If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, that cuts down prep even more. It’s a fantastic go-to when you want something comforting without spending an hour in the kitchen.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want it bright green and just tender, not mushy. This keeps the dish vibrant and balanced.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect how smoothly it melts. Grating your own cheddar and parmesan gives a silkier sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta better.
Warm the Chicken Before Adding: If your chicken is cold from the fridge, warm it slightly before tossing it into the sauce so it blends evenly without cooling down the whole dish.
Taste as You Go: Every cheese is a little different in saltiness, so season your sauce gradually and adjust once everything’s combined.
Serve Immediately: This pasta is best when it’s hot and creamy right off the stove. If you need to hold it for a bit, keep it covered and warm on low heat.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Too Much Pasta: If you go overboard on the pasta, you’ll end up with a dry dish. Stick to the recipe’s amount so the sauce-to-pasta ratio stays creamy and satisfying.
Skipping the Roux: Don’t rush through the butter and flour step — it’s essential for a smooth, thick sauce. Undercooking the roux can leave the sauce tasting floury.
Adding Cheese Over High Heat: Turn the heat to low before adding the cheese. High heat can cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.
Not Seasoning Enough: Cheese is salty, but the dish still needs seasoning to taste balanced. Salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder really bring it to life.
Overcooking the Chicken: If you’re cooking chicken from raw, avoid overcooking it, or it’ll become dry. Using cooked, tender chicken breast keeps the texture spot-on.

What to Serve With Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crispy on the outside, soft inside — perfect for scooping up extra cheese sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and zesty dressing cut through the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet, slightly caramelized tomatoes bring a bright, juicy contrast.

Sautéed Green Beans

Simple and crunchy, they add freshness without overwhelming the dish.

A Glass of White Wine

Try a chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a nice pairing.

Lemon Wedges

A little squeeze over the pasta brightens everything up.

Crispy Onions or Shallots

Sprinkle some on top for a flavorful crunch.

Mushrooms Sautéed in Butter

Add earthiness and depth if you’re serving this as part of a larger spread.

Storage Instructions

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta stores surprisingly well — making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back the creamy texture. The microwave works too — just stir halfway through and cover loosely.
Freezing: Not ideal. The cheese sauce can become grainy once thawed, and the broccoli may turn mushy. If you must freeze it, do so in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month, and reheat slowly on the stove.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~530 kcal
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 520mg

Note: These are estimates and can vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Swap the half-and-half for low-fat milk, use reduced-fat cheese, and go for grilled chicken breast. You can also reduce the amount of pasta slightly and increase the broccoli.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Just thaw and steam it beforehand, or sauté it quickly in a pan. Make sure to drain any excess water to keep the sauce from thinning out.

What’s the best cheese combo for this dish?

A mix of sharp cheddar and parmesan is ideal. You get creamy richness from cheddar and salty depth from parmesan. For a twist, try adding a bit of mozzarella or pepper jack.

How do I avoid grainy cheese sauce?

Always lower the heat before adding cheese and use freshly shredded cheese. Stir continuously and don’t let the sauce boil after adding the cheese.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but it’s easy to make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and substituting the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a GF flour blend.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or peas are great additions. Sauté or steam them before adding to the sauce for best texture.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking when storing?

Toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil or butter before refrigerating. This helps keep the pasta separate and prevents clumping.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes — fast, filling, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together on a busy weeknight or serve with pride to guests. With its creamy sauce, hearty chicken, and vibrant broccoli, it’s comfort food at its best — without the stress. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable, so you’ll never get bored. If you’re looking for a go-to recipe that’s both cozy and convenient, this one should absolutely be on your regular rotation.