Description
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and healthy meal made with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh broccoli tossed in a rich parmesan cream sauce. It’s a family-friendly recipe ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, cubed
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente according to package directions. During the last five minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the same pot. Once both are tender, drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute to release the aroma.
- Build the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a paste-like roux.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, which should take around 2–3 minutes.
- Melt the Cheese: Add the grated parmesan and stir until completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the pot. Stir well to evenly coat all the ingredients in the creamy sauce and heat everything through for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the dish to a serving bowl and top with extra grated parmesan, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute the pasta with whole wheat, gluten-free, or a different shape like fusilli or farfalle. For added flavor, a pinch of red chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish. Avoid overcooking the broccoli by cutting it into even florets and timing its addition carefully. If using rotisserie chicken, ensure it’s heated through in the final mix. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days but are not suitable for freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 95mg