Description
Enjoy this easy and creamy chicken and broccoli pasta recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners. Simple, delicious, and ready in 35 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli: cut into small florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion: diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 4 cloves garlic: minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 chicken breasts: cooked and cut into small cubes
Substitutes and Variations:
- Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for regular penne.
- Use almond or soy milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version.
- Replace broccoli with cauliflower or add spinach for extra greens.
- For a different flavor profile, try using cheddar or mozzarella in place of parmesan.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.
Preparing the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, and cook for an additional minute.
Making the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring until smooth.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combining Everything
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and diced chicken breasts to the pot with the parmesan sauce.
- Stir until everything is well coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Notes
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcooking the pasta: Ensure you cook it to al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
- Not whisking the sauce properly: This can cause lumps, so whisk continuously for a smooth sauce.
- Skipping the seasoning: Properly season at each step to build layers of flavor.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results:
- Cook the chicken ahead of time or use leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to reach desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20