Dripping in a rich Alfredo Sauce, cheesy and delicious this recipe for Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is 100 times better than takeout! This simple dish will have everyone begging for seconds!
Love this meal? Then be sure to try Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel next!
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Why you'll love this recipe
Beyond the fact that it's hands-down delicious? The chicken and broccoli pasta only takes 30 minutes to make and uses leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken! It's creamy, cheesy and so simple to make.
This meal is perfect for busy weeknights and even picky eaters! It might even be a super sneaky way to get your kids to eat a few more vegetables as well! 😋
Ingredients
- cooked chicken breasts or chicken thighs - though you can certainly use raw chicken, I love the shortcut of leftover rotisserie chicken.
- salt, pepper and rushed red chili flakes - gotta have your spices.
- garlic - so aromatic, it adds a ton to the sauce. No one is going to know you used a jarred sauce!
- fresh broccoli florets - just like the Cheesecake Factory!
- rigatoni pasta - though you can certainly substitute any kind of pasta. I like the tubes and shells because they really hold the sauce nicely!
- parmesan cheese, cream cheese and Alfredo sauce - for creamy richness.
- sun-dried tomatoes - adds such a nice intense flavor!
- croutons - just a handful for garnish as well as texture.
- lemon and minced parsley for garnish - now these ingredients are optional, but that squeeze of fresh lemon juice and fresh parsley helps brighten and lighten what could be a heavy dish.
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of water as directed to al dente, drain well, set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot set over medium heat.
- Add the chopped broccoli to the pan and saute, season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Add the minced garlic & continue to saute for another minute.
- Place the chicken in the pan and pour in the Alfredo sauce. Add the cream cheese and stir until it's melted.
- Pour the pasta in and spinkle with parmesan cheese. Toss to incorporate in the creamy sauce. Ensure that the cheese is completely incorporated.
- Add the sundried tomatoes tomatoes and toss. Sprinkle with croutons on top of the casserole and squeeze the lemon wedge over the top.
Recipe FAQ's
If you're going to make this copycat Cheesecake Factory Chicken and Broccoli Pasta then you'll want to use rigatoni, but really you can use any tube or shell type pasta. Just don't overcook the pasta!
Absolutely! I have a delicious homemade Alfredo sauce recipe on the blog. This recipe would be even more fabulous!
You bet! If you're serving a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled to serve a large group.
Tips
- When you're boiling pasta, always season (salt) the water well and use a large enough pot. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil before adding the dried pasta.
- Stir the pasta every couple of minutes while it's boiling so it doesn't stick together.
- Save the pasta water - If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, thin it with a little reserved pasta water or chicken stock.
Variations
- Add mushrooms! I love that addition!
- You can also easily make this a vegetarian meal by simply omitting the chicken. And it's delicious that that - enjoy!
- Substitute whole wheat pasta if desired.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container 3-4 days. You can freeze Chicken and Broccoli Pasta up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
Isn't this a delicious dish? If you're wondering what to serve with Chicken and Broccoli Pasta here's my suggestion!
At the Cheesecake Factory, it's served with a simple garden salad and that sounds delicious! A side of brussels sprouts would be great as well! Add some easy dinner rolls and that's a complete meal!
Of course you'll need to have Strawberry Cheesecake for dessert, right? Here's a great recipe to make at home.
Related Recipes
I bet you're looking for more great pasta recipes that incorporate lots of vegetables! Here are some easy recipes. My family is a big fan of baked pasta primavera - it's easy to make and delicious. And kids really love the fun bow tie pasta shape!
This recipe for easy vegetable pasta primavera is made on the stovetop with fresh noodles. It's delicious and a quick family friendly meal!
When you make this please comment below and let me know what you think! I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @bowl_me_over or #bowlmeover - so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Recipe
Cheesecake Factory Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
- chef knife
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast cut into ¾" pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 2 cups broccoli ½" chopped
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 14 ounces alfredo sauce
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes julienned
- 1 tablespoon chopped croutons
- 1 wedge lemon and minced parsley for garnish.
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni pasta in boiling, salted water to al dente, drain well, set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped broccoli to the large frying pan and saute, season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Add the minced garlic & continue to saute for another minute.
- Place the chicken in the pan and pour in the alfredo sauce. Add the cream cheese and stir until it's melted.
- Pour the pasta in the cream sauce and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Toss to incorporate. Ensure that the cheese is completely mixed in.
- Add the sundried tomatoes and toss. Sprinkle with croutons and squeeze the lemon wedge over the top, enjoy!
Notes
- When you're boiling pasta, always season (salt) the water well and use a large enough pot. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil before adding the dried pasta.
- Stir the pasta every couple of minutes while it's boiling so it doesn't stick together.
- Reserve the pasta water - If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, thin it with a little reserved pasta water or chicken broth.
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