Looking for a hearty and comforting dish? This creamy, garlicky chicken and broccoli pasta is exactly what you need. Packed with protein, veggies, and a luscious, flavorful butter sauce, it’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- Pasta: Penne pasta or your favorite pasta
- Broccoli: Cut into small florets
- Olive Oil: For sautéing
- Onion: Diced
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Garlic: Minced
- All-Purpose Flour: For thickening the sauce
- Whole Milk: To create a creamy sauce
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor
- Chicken Breasts: Cooked and cubed
Tips for Success
- Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into small florets to ensure it cooks evenly and quickly.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds the best flavor and smooth texture to the sauce.
- Chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick meal.
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 5 minutes, add broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in whole milk, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and diced chicken breasts to the skillet, stirring until everything is well coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with more parmesan if desired, and serve hot.
Storage and Freezing Tips:
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until warmed through or heat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Freezing: This dish is not suitable for freezing as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
Recipe Variations:
- Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more flavor and texture.
- Swap the chicken for shrimp or use a meatless option for a vegetarian version.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk? Yes! You can use low-fat milk, but note that the sauce might not be as rich and creamy.
This easy, creamy, garlicky chicken and broccoli pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for a weeknight meal. Enjoy!