Description
Indulge in a comforting and delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and gooey cheese in every bite. Perfect for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 3 boneless chicken breasts (680g), cut into 1” cubes
- 2 medium heads broccoli
- 16 oz. (454g) penne pasta
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 2 Tbsp (30g) vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tsp (10ml) minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp (15g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5ml) Italian seasonings
- 1 tsp (5ml) salt
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) black pepper
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken stock
- ½ cup (120ml) coconut cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F to preheat.
- Coat a 9”x13” baking dish with nonstick spray and place it aside.
- Fill a large pot with water and heat until it reaches a boil.
- Cut each broccoli head into four large sections, making a total of eight pieces. Once the water boils, add the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the broccoli and let it cool. Chop the cooled broccoli into smaller pieces.
- In the same pot, prepare the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain the pasta once it’s cooked and put it aside.
- As the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken cubes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 7 minutes until the chicken is browned. Take out the chicken and set it aside, noting that it won’t be fully cooked yet.
- In the same pan, combine vegetable oil, diced onions, and minced garlic. Stir for 3 to 4 minutes until they are well mixed and the onions are softened.
- Incorporate the flour, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper, and stir well. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in the milk and chicken stock, stirring until thoroughly mixed. Heat until the mixture boils. Once boiling, add the coconut cream, followed by the chicken and broccoli. When the mixture reaches a boil again, remove the pan from the heat and pour its contents into the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the dish until everything is evenly combined.
- Sprinkle the top with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
- Place in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, opt for whole milk over low-fat.
- Enhance the sauce with a touch of for added depth.
- Explore using unique cheeses like Gruyere or fontina for a different flavor profile.
