Meal-Time Monday! {Broccoli Penne Pasta}

Here is our favorite "clean-eating" recipe of the week!

Broccoli Penne Pasta

 

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 bunch broccoli, stalks cut off, florets trimmed into 1" pieces
12 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, minced
6 medium garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed through a garlic press
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
3 ounces smoked mozzarella, shredded
8 ounce jar oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped into pieces

 

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and butter and set aside. This will be used as your topping. Lightly grease a 9x13" baking dish and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and make sure the oven rack is placed in the middle of the oven. In a large pot, bring the water for the pasta to a boil. Stir in one tablespoon salt and the broccoli. The broccoli cooks quickly so stay close! Cook the broccoli for 1 minute, until bright green. Quickly remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon to a plate. Return the water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than you would normally cook. Drain the pasta in a colander and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Leave it in the colander and set aside.
3. Wipe the pot dry. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and return to medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook until softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and thyme, cook until fragrant, about 30 second, stirring constantly. Add the flour, alt and pepper, and cook, stirring constantly until golden, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the broth and cream, bring to a simmer, whisking often. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and smoked mozzarella.
4. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce, stir to combine. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared basking dish and sprinkle