Description
Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta blends hearty protein with crisp green vegetables in a comforting Italian-inspired dish. Garlic, parmesan, and a silky sauce elevate this simple weeknight meal into a restaurant-quality experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 2 cups (300 grams) broccoli
Sauce Components:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Add penne pasta and cook according to package timing until reaching al dente texture.
- During the final 5 minutes of pasta cooking, introduce broccoli florets directly into the boiling water, allowing them to cook simultaneously.
- Drain pasta and broccoli in a colander, then set aside while maintaining warmth.
- Heat olive oil in a separate large pot over medium temperature, creating a gentle sizzling environment.
- Sauté diced onions for 2-3 minutes until translucent and softened, releasing their aromatic qualities.
- Introduce minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, stirring for approximately one minute to activate their robust flavors.
- Dust flour evenly across the onion-garlic mixture, continuously stirring to prevent clumping and create a smooth roux.
- Gradually incorporate whole milk, whisking consistently to develop a velvety, lump-free sauce.
- Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
- Integrate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a silky sauce.
- Fold cooked pasta, broccoli, and diced chicken into the sauce, ensuring thorough coating and uniform heating for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the completed dish to a serving bowl, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and enjoying the harmonious blend of flavors.
Notes
- Perfectly cook pasta by ensuring it’s al dente, with a slight bite, to prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
- Chop broccoli into uniform florets for even cooking and better sauce absorption throughout the dish.
- Save some pasta water before draining, which can help adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Customize protein by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 465 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg