A creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese sauce for an easy family meal.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
→ Protein
02 - 2 chicken breasts (about 12 oz), cut into bite-size pieces
→ Vegetables
03 - 2 cups broccoli florets
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy & Cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
07 - 2 cups whole milk
08 - 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
→ Seasonings
09 - 0.5 teaspoon salt, plus additional for pasta water
10 - 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 0.5 teaspoon paprika, optional
→ Oils
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
# How-to Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli florets during the final 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the butter and whisk for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
04 - Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until sauce thickens, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Reduce heat to low and mix until cheese is completely melted and sauce reaches a smooth consistency.
06 - Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with cheese sauce. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through.
07 - Transfer to serving bowls immediately. Garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
