Chicken & Broccoli Mac and Cheese may sound simple, but don’t underestimate the deliciousness of this meal! This recipe has it all — pasta, tender chicken, creamy cheese and crunchy broccoli. Best of all, it takes less than an hour to make and you end up with plenty of leftovers for later! Chicken & Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a full meal in one dish, so you can enjoy a full range of flavors in each bite!
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) box penne
- 1 head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
Directions
Step 1 –Cook the penne in a large pot of salted, boiling water according to the package directions until al dente.
Step 2 –About 2-3 minutes before the pasta is al dente, add in the broccoli and let it cook with the pasta for the rest of the cooking time.
Step 3 –Drain and set the penne-broccoli mixture aside.
Step 4 –Melt the butter in another sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Step 5 –Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 1 minute.
Step 6 –Mix in the flour using a whisk until it is fully combined and cook until the flour smell dissipates, whisking occasionally, about 1 minute.
Step 7 –Slowly whisk in the chicken stock until it is smooth.
Step 8 –Slowly mix the milk into the pot, stopping when it is fully mixed.
Step 9 –Cook until the sauce mixture comes to a simmer, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 10 –Whisk the cheddar cheese, the parmesan cheese, the salt, and the pepper into the pot, mixing until the cheese sauce is completely smooth.
Step 11 –Remove the pot from the heat and pour the cheese sauce over top of the penne-broccoli mixture.
Step 12 –Add the chicken to the pot and toss until everything is fully mixed.
Step 13 –Serve hot.
