Description
A creamy, savory pasta dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich Parmesan sauce. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- For the pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
- For the sauce and chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For the chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced into small cubes
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta and broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Make the roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4️⃣ Prepare the sauce:
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
5️⃣ Add the cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it has melted completely, creating a creamy, smooth sauce.
6️⃣ Combine the pasta:
Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and diced chicken to the pot with the Parmesan sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated and warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.
7️⃣ Serve:
Transfer the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it your own: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap Parmesan with Asiago or Romano for a flavor twist.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4