Description
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is your ultimate comfort food. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this easy-to-make dish brings hearty flavors to your table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, diced
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot during the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking.
- Drain pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in whole milk, ensuring no lumps form.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and diced chicken breasts to the creamy sauce.
- Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding a splash of milk if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Italian-American