A delightful and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt.
Adding salt to the water enhances the pasta's flavor.
Cook the pasta in the boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente.
Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the broccoli to the pot during the last 3 minutes of the pasta's cooking time.
This ensures the broccoli remains tender-crisp.
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chicken broth, milk, and garlic until hot, about 3 minutes.
Heating the liquids helps them blend smoothly into the sauce.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Use a low heat to prevent the butter from browning.
Whisk in the flour to form a roux, then gradually add the hot liquid mixture, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
Whisking continuously prevents lumps in the sauce.
Stir in the parmesan cheese, tomatoes, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together.
Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
The reserved water can adjust the sauce's consistency.
Combine the pasta, broccoli, and sauce in the pot, adding reserved water as needed to coat evenly.
Toss gently to avoid breaking the pasta or broccoli.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.