Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

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 hearty comfort food is a simple skillet supper will have everyone begging for seconds!

Love this meal? Next time try Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel! Or this easy one pot Chicken Alfredo with Peas - simple and a delicious meal!

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe FAQ's
• Tips
• Variations
• Storage
• Serving Suggestions
• SERVE GREAT MEALS EVERY TIME! 👇
• Related Recipes
• Cheesecake Factory Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Why you'll love this recipe

Beyond the fact that it's hands-down delicious easy recipe? You'll love this because 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 delicious dinner is one of the favorite cheesecake factory items on their menu! It will quickly become one of your favorites as well. It is perfect for busy weeknights and even your most picky eater! It's a dinner the whole family will love!

What I especially love - no heavy cream, no white wine - using this simple recipe gives you a great shortcut to get dinner on the table in a snap!

Like this Sausage Pepper and Onions Recipe, this is the perfect stovetop skillet casserole. It might even be a super sneaky way to get your kids to eat a few more vegetables as well! 😋

Ingredients

For the exact measurements for the broccoli pasta recipe, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

• sautéed chicken breasts, cooked chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken or chicken tenders. You can certainly use raw chicken, it needs to be cooked first. I use leftover chicken when possible. Cut or shred into bite-size pieces.
• salt, black pepper and rushed red chili flakes - gotta have your spices.
• lots of garlic - so aromatic, the cloves garlic add 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 or rotini 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

This is an overview of the instructions for this creamy pasta. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of water as per package directions to al dente, drain well, set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot set over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped broccoli to a large skillet and saute, season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Add the minced garlic & continue to sauté for another minute.
4. Remove the skin (if necessary), dice the boneless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
5. Place the chicken pieces in the pan and pour in the Alfredo sauce. Add the cream cheese and stir the cheese sauce until it's combined.
6. Pour the pasta in and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Toss to incorporate in the creamy sauce. Ensure that the cheese is completely incorporated.
7. Add the sundried tomatoes and toss. Sprinkle with croutons on top of the casserole and squeeze the lemon wedge over the top.

Recipe FAQ's

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.
• The broccoli pasta bake can be made the day before. Assemble the ingredients and use a splash of heavy creamy to make it extra saucy. Place in a casserole dish and refrigerate. When it's time for dinner, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Reheat covered with aluminum foil in the oven for 30-45 minutes until hot & bubbly.

Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms, super yummy!
• Salty, kalamata olives are super tasty as well.
• You can also easily make this a vegetarian meal by simply omitting the chicken and using fresh mushrooms instead. And it's delicious that way - enjoy!
• Add diced red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes for a beautiful holiday meal!
• Substitute whole wheat pasta if desired.
• A homemade white wine Alfredo Sauce will make this dish even more amazing!
• More great additions - caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes, sliced yellow peppers.
• This is also a great casserole dish, prepare the ingredients and pour into baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 350 degrees until hot and bubbly - about 30 minutes. Wala, you have a chicken broccoli pasta bake!

Storage

Cool the cheesy chicken broccoli pasta casserole to room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container 3-4 days. You can freeze Chicken and Broccoli Pasta up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

This is delicious garnished with fresh basil!

Isn't this a delicious dish? If you're wondering what to serve with Chicken and Broccoli Pasta here are my suggestions;

At the Cheesecake Factory, it's served with a simple garden salad and that sounds delicious! A side of brussels sprouts or green beans 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 simple and delicious. And kids really love the fun bow tie pasta shape!

• One of my favorite easy chicken recipes is this old fashioned chicken tetrazzini recipe. Seriously the sauce is to die for!
• Or how about this recipe for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole? It's so cheesy and delicious, really a wonderful weeknight dinner!
• One of my favorite pasta dishes is this recipe for easy vegetable pasta primavera is made on the stovetop with fresh noodles. It's delicious and a quick family friendly meal!
• And if you're looking for cheesy goodness, then be sure to try this Baked Tortellini Recipe - it's fabulous!
• Tuna Casserole is a wonderful pantry recipes that comes together in a snap!
• This recipe for Chili Mac and Cheese is an easy one-pot meal, cheesy and delicious!

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!