In your large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Pour in 1.5 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of half-and-half, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add 3 cups of uncooked fusilli pasta to the pot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Toss in the 2 cups of small broccoli florets. Add 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve your One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!