Quick & Easy Chicken Penne

Let's make something lovely.

1. 01

   Preheat the Oven:

2. 02

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. 03

   Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:

4. 04

   In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

5. 05

   During the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets and diced red bell pepper to the boiling water. Drain the pasta, broccoli, and bell pepper together.

6. 06

   Prepare the Sauce:

7. 07

   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the low-fat milk and 1 tablespoon of flour. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.

8. 08

   Add the low-sodium chicken broth, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

9. 09

   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy.

10. 10

    Combine and Bake:

11. 11

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, red bell pepper, and diced chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well coated.

12. 12

    Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased casserole dish.

13. 13

    Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and the dish is heated through.

14. 14

    Serve:

15. 15

    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

16. 16

    Serve hot and enjoy your quick and easy chicken penne!