Ziti, Chicken, & Broccoli with Cheddar Wine Sauce

I admit it- I was wrong.

Broccoli is pretty tasty.

I know, it's crazy, I was convinced it was disgusting and yet I made it two nights in a row and it was darn good! Monday I had a simply delicious meal that I got from Katie's blog, Good Things Catered. It involved all sorts of yummy things- pasta, cheese, wine, and yes, broccoli. This really came together beautifully, and quickly too! With Adam's help getting the water steaming for veggies, water boiling for pasta, and the chicken defrosting in the microwave, I whipped this up in under 30 minutes. It took as long as pasta- water heating and cooking time! And yet so gourmet tasting!

The only improvements that we could come up with (and this was hubby's suggestion) is to used grilled chicken, rather than boiled. The chicken was the weakest part of our dinner- although it was still good. I think a simple salt & pepper grilling would be so tasty. It would just add such a nice depth to this already delicious meal.

So thanks to Katie!


Ziti, Chicken, & Broccoli with Cheddar Wine Sauce

• 1 Box Ziti
  
• 1 Breast of Chicken
  
• 2 Stalks of Broccoli
  
• 3 Tbsp. Butter
  
• 2 Cloves of Garlic, finely minced
  
• 2 Tbsp. Flour
  
• 1/2 C. White Wine
  
• 1/4 C. Dry Vermouth
  
• 2 C. Chicken Broth
  
• 1 C. White Cheddar, shredded
  
• Salt & Pepper to taste

1. Get a large pot of water boiling. Cook the ziti according to directions. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Meanwhile, cut the florets off the broccoli stalks and steam in a steamer pan. Do not over steam- they should be tender, but still have some crunch to them. Set aside when ready.
   
3. Cut up the chicken breast into small bite-sized pieces. Place in a microwave safe bowl and cover with water. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until cooked through. Drain and set aside. (Next time we'll use leftover grilled chicken for more flavor rather than boiling it for the recipe.)
   
4. As all these other things are cooking, heat a large pot over medium high heat. Melt butter in this pan.
   
5. When butter is melted, add in garlic and cook until aromatic.
   
6. Stir in flour and mix until smooth and bubbly.
   
7. Pour in wine and vermouth and stir. When the liquid has reduced by about half, add in chicken stock.
   
8. Heat stock until boiling, stirring often so it will thicken.
   
9. Add in cheese and stir until melted. Taste sauce and add salt and pepper as desired.
   
10. Pour in pasta, chicken, and broccoli one at a time, stirring to coat with the sauce each time. Serve hot.