🌹 Recipe CREAMY PASTA WITH CHICKEN, BROCCOLI AND BASIL - LOW FAT VERSION
TESTED & PERFECTED CREAMY PASTA WITH CHICKEN, BROCCOLI AND BASIL - LOW FAT VERSION Recipe. Step-by-Step. is perfect for busy families. Comes together quickly with a few staple ingredients!
INGREDIENTS
1 lb dry pasta (I prefer fettucine or spaghetti noodles) 1 tablespoon salt 3 cups broccoli florets 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup 2% evaporated milk 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1 1?2 tablespoons butter (I use unsalted) 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1?4 cup parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra for sprinkling 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts (I usually add even more) 1?2 cup drained petite diced tomato 1?4 cup chopped fresh basil 1?2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (or to taste)
DIRECTIONS
Bring about 2 quarts of water to a boil - add a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Add pasta and use the cooking time given on the package to cook your pasta al dente. Stir frequently at first to prevent pasta from sticking. Add the broccoli to the boiling pasta water during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Meanwhile, microwave broth, milk and garlic in a microwave-safe bowl until steamy hot (approx. 3 to 4 minutes). Then let it stand for a few minutes. Put butter in a saucepan over low heat. After butter melts, whisk in flour, then hot milk mixture. Whisk constantly over medium-low to medium heat until sauce thickens. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes. You judge as to when the sauce thickens up. Stir in parmesan, cooked chicken, tomatoes, basil and red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper to taste and let simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors. Drain pasta and broccoli, *reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid* and return to pasta pot. Pour cream sauce over pasta, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Toss and serve immediately with a light sprinkling of parmesan. Enjoy!
by: LifeIsGood