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Creamy Pasta With Chicken, Broccoli & Basil - Low-Fat Version

Here's how you make Creamy Pasta With Chicken, Broccoli & Basil - Low-Fat Version
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  • Servings: 6
  • Prep: 10m
  • Cook: 20m
    • The following recipe serves 6 people.

Ingredients

The ingredients are:
  • 1 pound 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 chicken breast (cooked, I usually add even more)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomato (drained petite diced tomato)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (or to taste)
We recommend you get your ingredients ready before you start cooking. Once you're ready, here are the steps to making this delicious recipe

How to Make

  • Step 1: Bring about 2 quarts of water to a boil - add a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.

  • Step 2: 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.

  • Step 3: Add the broccoli to the boiling pasta water during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

  • Step 4: 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.

  • Step 5: Put butter in a saucepan over low heat.

  • Step 6: 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.

  • Step 7: Stir in parmesan, cooked chicken, tomatoes, basil and red pepper flakes.

  • Step 8: Salt and pepper to taste and let simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.

  • Step 9: Drain pasta and broccoli, *reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid* and return to pasta pot.

  • Step 10: Pour cream sauce over pasta, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten.

  • Step 11: Toss and serve immediately with a light sprinkling of parmesan.

  • Step 12: Enjoy!

We hope you enjoy this recipe!

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