Italian-Style Chicken Broccoli Mac & Cheese

Italian-Style Chicken Broccoli Mac & Cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the classic comfort food of mac and cheese with traditional Italian flavors.

The chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, giving it a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.

Tender pieces of chicken breast are breaded with Italian seasoned bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and parsley, giving it a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.

Penne Regatta is the pasta of choice for this dish, as the pasta has ridges that make it perfect for catching and holding onto the creamy, rich cheese sauce made with a blend of Italian cheeses.

The cooked breaded chicken and fork tender broccoli florets are then mixed with the al dente pasta and the creamy, rich cheese sauce in a baking dish that is finished off in the oven, creating a crispy golden-brown top.

The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at your dinner table.

A complete meal with cheesy pasta, Italian flavors you’re familiar with and tender bites of chicken breast and broccoli.

Read More About The Top Nine Varieties Of Cheese’s Enjoyed By Food Lovers

Italian-Style Chicken Broccoli Mac & Cheese

2 chicken breast, cut in half vertically

1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped

3 eggs, lightly beaten

3 tablespoons milk

1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons dried parsley

8 ounces Penne Rigate pasta

1⁄4 cup butter

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1⁄2 teaspoon Himalayan salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 – 12 ounce evaporated milk + 4 ounces water

1 – 8 ounce package Italian cheese

Chop broccoli florets and set aside.

In a small bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. In a separate small bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

Melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture, coating evenly. Place coated chicken in the skillet, and cook 7-8 minutes each side. Remove chicken from heat and dice into bite sized pieces.

Cook pasta according to package directions. Remove cooked pasta with a slotted spoon (leave hot pasta water in pot) and rinse pasta under cold water in a colander.

Add chopped broccoli florets to hot pasta water. Return water to a boil and cook broccoli for 4-5 minutes or until fork tender, but not mushy.

In medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; stir in flour, and cook for 3-5 minutes stirring constantly to form a roux; add salt and pepper; slowly add evaporated milk + 1/2 cup water (4oz.) stirring well after each addition. Cook and stir until bubbly.

Cook’s Notes

What Is A Roux

A roux is a 17th century culinary French invention. It is a smooth paste, made from flour and fat. The ratios typically call for equal parts of each.

A roux is added to sauces, soups or gravy’s to make them thick, smooth and rich.

Add chicken and broccoli florets to roux and mix in. Next add cheese a small amount at a time until fully melted.

Place heat proof skillet or baking dish with Mac & cheese mixture under broiler, about 6-8 inches from heating element.

Let top of mixture brown a little. Watch very closely so it doesn’t burn.

Remove from broiler. Let cool about 5 minutes. Plate and serve with a dinner salad.

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