Description
Hearty chicken and broccoli pasta delivers comfort in each twirling forkful, blending creamy garlic sauce with tender protein and crisp green vegetables. Home cooks will savor this simple Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 ounces (85 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) pipe rigate pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Fill a spacious pot with water and prepare pasta to al dente perfection according to package guidelines.
- During the final three minutes of pasta cooking, introduce broccoli florets into the boiling water.
- Carefully drain the pasta and broccoli mixture, then transfer back to the original pot.
- Incorporate chopped dried tomatoes into the pasta blend.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over moderate heat.
- Introduce chicken pieces, diced onions, selected seasonings, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Sauté the mixture until chicken is completely cooked and onions become translucent and soft.
- Dust the chicken mixture with flour, stirring thoroughly to create a light coating.
- Continue cooking the flour-coated mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Stream milk and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Raise heat and bring the liquid to a gentle boil, stirring consistently until the sauce reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
- Sprinkle cheese into the sauce, stirring until fully melted and integrated.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and broccoli, gently folding to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer to serving dishes, accompanied by optional side salad or crusty garlic bread.
Notes
- Ensure pasta reaches al dente texture by following package instructions precisely, which prevents mushiness and maintains ideal pasta consistency.
- Chop broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better sauce distribution throughout the dish.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them thinly for faster, more consistent cooking and easier eating experience.
- Consider substituting whole wheat pasta for added nutrition or gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions without compromising taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg