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This chicken and broccoli pasta is something you will want to add to the menu! This dinner gets kicked up a notch with a simple, yet flavorful, butter sauce. Made with just a few simple ingredients.
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
I do love a good classic bowl of spaghetti with marinara, but I love switching it up with a yummy cream sauce occasionally. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s packed with protein and veggies with a creamy flavorful sauce.
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Ingredients:
- Penne pasta, or pasta of choice
- Broccoli, cut into small florets
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic, minced
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Chicken breasts, cooked and cut into small cubes
Tips
Broccoli: Be sure to cut the broccoli into small florets so that it cooks quickly and evenly.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Chicken: You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe.
Instructions:
Boil the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. In the last 5 minutes of cooking add the broccoli florets in the boiling water with the pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.
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 black pepper, and cook for an additional 1 minute.
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 until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and diced chicken breasts to the pot with the parmesan sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
Recipe Tip
The recipe calls for steamed broccoli but, this would be really great with some sauteed green and red bell peppers! Toss in some mushrooms or zucchini!
This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
- Pot for the pasta
- Skillet for the chicken
- Colander
- wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 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
Instructions
- 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 in the boiling water with the pasta.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.
- 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 black pepper, and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Season to taste and serve hot
Yum, I just made something similar and it turned out great! Love the freshness and having it this creamy goodness all together in one place! I would love for you to share this over at my new link party Making Memories Mondays going on now!
Cathy