Description
A creamy and savory pasta dish featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe combines delicious flavors with a touch of lemon for freshness. Quick and easy to make, it’s a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
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- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Lemon pepper seasoning (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup Asiago cheese (or all Parmesan)
- ½ lb penne pasta
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Seasonings:
-
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning Blend: Mix together the Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Dice the chicken into ¾-inch pieces and season with lemon pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package directions. Add broccoli florets during the last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, deglaze with ½ cup of chicken broth, allowing it to reduce for 4 minutes. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in ¾ cup chicken broth and half and half. Add hot sauce and the seasoning blend. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat and stir in Parmesan and Asiago cheeses until melted and smooth. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the sauce. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can replace the Asiago cheese with more Parmesan if you prefer.
- If you like a little more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- This dish can be served with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg