By: Jani Williamson April 1, 2018

My friend Michelle recently brought a big batch of home-grown Broccoli into the office to share with us and I immediately thought of the perfect recipe to make!  I always make notations in my cookbooks with the date I made the recipe and whether I liked it or not.  I tried this recipe almost two years ago and I wrote in the corner “YUMM!” so I knew it was worth making again!  I did make a notation or two on things I would change the next time I made the recipe so I noted them for you, as well.  This is an easy recipe because it all comes together in one pot but it makes a lot so be sure to use a LARGE pot!

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
    (I used Canola Oil)
  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
    (I used 4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    (I used 1 tsp salt/1/2 tsp pepper)
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
    (I used a 4 cup carton of chicken stock and 1 cup water for the liquid)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 16 ounce bag of pasta shells
  • 4 cups broccoli
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
    (This was too hot for me so I made a note to use ¼ tsp)
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    (I used more than 2 cups!)

Instructions

  1. Heat oil on medium in a large pot.
  2. Add chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper and allow the chicken to brown on one side.
  3. Flip chicken, then add onions and garlic as the second side browns.
  4. Once the chicken has browned on both sides, add chicken broth, water and pasta to the pot.
  5. Stir all ingredients, cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil.
  6. When it begins to boil, uncover and stir.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
  8. After 20 minutes, uncover and add the broccoli.
  9. Stir continually as the broccoli steams until the rest of the liquid evaporates.
  10. Add milk and cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese melts and you have a smooth cheese sauce.
  11. Add salt and pepper if needed (to taste), cayenne and nutmeg.
  12. Stir once more and you’re ready to serve.
  13. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before serving.

EnJOY!

(From www.buzzfeed.com)

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