Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac is the kind of dinner that makes the whole kitchen feel warm and welcoming before it even reaches the table. The first time I made it, the aroma of seasoned chicken cooking with onion and paprika filled the room, and once the pasta simmered in the broth, everything came together into pure comfort.
The broccoli adds freshness and color, while the creamy cheese sauce wraps every bite in rich, savory flavor.
What makes this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac recipe special is how it turns everyday ingredients into something that tastes like true comfort food. The ranch seasoning gives the sauce a subtle tangy depth, while Colby Jack melts into a smooth, velvety coating that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken.
Every forkful has tender chicken, creamy macaroni, and little bursts of broccoli, making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac hearty without feeling too heavy.
Key Ingredients in Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac
This recipe comes together from simple ingredients, but each one adds something important to the final dish.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
3½–4 cups chicken broth
2½ cups elbow pasta, uncooked
3 cups broccoli, chopped into small florets
8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded (optional)
⅓ cup milk
Dried parsley, for garnish
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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac is a rich, creamy comfort food made with tender chicken breast, elbow pasta, fresh broccoli, savory ranch seasoning, chicken broth, milk, and melted Colby Jack cheese for a hearty, flavorful one-pan family dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
3½–4 cups chicken broth
2½ cups elbow pasta, uncooked
3 cups broccoli, chopped into small florets
8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded (optional)
⅓ cup milk
Dried parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients. Cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the broccoli into small florets, keeping them large enough so they do not overcook and fall apart.
Cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and spread evenly in the pan. Stir in the chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning. Cook until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
Add pasta and broccoli. Stir in the uncooked elbow pasta, chopped broccoli, and 3½ cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
Simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Let cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Add up to ½ cup additional broth if needed while cooking.
Make it creamy. Remove the lid and stir. If excess liquid remains, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce. If using cheese, add half of the shredded cheese and the milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Melt the cheese. If using cheese, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover with a lid and allow the cheese to melt, or place under the broiler for a few minutes until melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with dried parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
For a full comfort food menu, I often pair this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac with Crock Pot Barbecue Ribs for a hearty main dish spread or finish the meal with Crock Pot Peach Cobbler Recipe when serving guests.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac Step-by-Step
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the cubed chicken with chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning. Cook until the chicken is nearly done.
- Stir in uncooked elbow pasta, chopped broccoli, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil so the pasta begins absorbing the savory broth.
- Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the pasta is tender. Add a little extra broth if needed while cooking.
- Remove the lid and stir well. If there is too much liquid, allow it to reduce for a few minutes uncovered.
- Add half the shredded Colby Jack cheese along with the milk. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt until bubbly. For a golden finish, place under the broiler briefly.
- Finish with dried parsley and serve warm while the cheese is at its creamiest.
If you enjoy comforting slow-cooked meals, you might also like Crockpot Cheesy Taco Potatoes for another rich and satisfying family dinner.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker shortcut on busy nights.
- Add sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor.
- Stir in cooked bacon for extra smoky richness.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a heartier texture.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy gentle heat.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac is one of those meals that feels homemade in the best possible way—creamy, hearty, and full of comforting flavor. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac is simple enough for weeknights but satisfying enough to share with family or friends.
Once you make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac and taste that creamy cheese sauce wrapped around tender chicken and pasta, it is easy to see why this recipe earns a place in the regular dinner rotation.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.