Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta

Steps7

1. 1

   Step 1. Boil the pasta water

   Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil for the pasta, and begin preparing the sauce while it heats.

2. 2

   Step 2. Cook the onion

   2m 30s

   In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes until starting to become tender and translucent.

3. 3

   Step 3. Cook the broccoli

   5m 30s

   Add the broccoli, garlic, salt and pepper and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and almost tender.

4. 4

   Step 4. Thicken the milk sauce

   1 min

   Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually stir in the milk, about 1 cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated before adding more. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

5. 5

   Step 5. Melt the cream cheese

   Once the sauce begins to bubble and thicken, add the cream cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. Remove from the heat until the pasta is ready.

6. 6

   Step 6. Cook and transfer the pasta

   Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then transfer the pasta directly into the sauce, or drain it in a colander before adding it to the sauce.

   Rotini
7. 7

   Step 7. Combine chicken and pasta

   2m 30s

   Return the pot to medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, Parmesan and 1/2 cup pasta water. Cook, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is warmed through, the pasta is al dente and the sauce coats everything. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan.

   Chicken breast