Baked Penne with Chicken, Broccoli, and Smoked Mozzarella

Baked Penne with Chicken, Broccoli, and Smoked Mozzarella

2-3 bunches broccoli, stalks cut off, and florets trimmed to 1 inch pieces
12 oz penne
1 T olive oil
1 medium onion, minced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1/4 c flour
2 c chicken brot
1 c heavy cream (or half and half)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bit size pieces
8 oz smoked mozzarella, shredded
8 oz jar sun dried tomatoes, drained, rinsed and chopped

Preheat oven to 400*.  Bring water to boil in pot, add 1 T salt and cook broccoli for 1 minute.  Remove and set aside.  Bring water back to a boil and cook pasta 1-2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain pasta and set aside.  In a skillet large enough to hold everything, add oil and saute onion.  Stir in garlic and thyme and cook 1 minute.  Add the flour and cook about 1 minute.  Whisk in broth and cream, bring to a simmer, whisking often.  Ad the chicken and cook, until cooked through (about 7 minutes).  Stir in sun dried tomatoes and  half smoked mozzarella.  Add the pasta and broccoli to the sauce, stirring to combine.  Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.  Bake until top cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.


This is NOT healthy, but invite someone over for supper and serve it...there will be plenty and it is so good!  Also, splurge on the smoked mozzarella.  Regular is just not the same.


Original Recipe Found Here: www.melskitchencafe.com