Broccoli and Cheese Chicken Pasta

My youngest daughter was trying to talk her brother into giving her some of his money. He asked her if she was mad. She replied, "I'm not mad. I'm brilliant." I guess I will know what to say the next time anyone calls me mad.

Since it has been so unusually hot, I did not want use the oven because I'm not mad yet. I saw this recipe and I figured I would try it. The family liked it a lot and there was plenty leftovers for lunch the next day.

Stovetop Broccoli and Cheese Pasta
1 lb. thin egg noodles
1 tsp vegetable oil
2 cups chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
8 oz. butter, unsalted
1 garlic clove
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 lb broccoli
1 1/2 cups milk

Directions:

1.  In a large pot, boil the water according to the egg noodle package.
2. Add the broccoli with the egg noodles when the water is ready.
3. Drain the pasta and broccoli. Run the pasta and broccoli under cool water to stop the cooking.
4. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the oil.
5. Once the oil is heated, add the chicken. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
6. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
7. Add the butter with the garlic clove to the skillet.
8. Remove the garlic clove after a minute and whisk in the flour.
9. Add the salt and pepper. Stir.
10. Slowly, whisk in the chicken broth until combined.
11. Increase the heat to high and whisk until thick.
12. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the cheese until melted.
13. Add the chicken, broccoli, and pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir.
14. Slowly add the milk to the desired thickness. Mix well. Allow to cook for a few minutes while stirring.
15. Serve immediately.

Recipe adapted from Picky Palate.

Did you already know...
-Cattle being used as a form of money dates back to 9000 B.C.
-Around 2000 B.C., cattle shaped bronze pieces were used as a form of money.
-Around 650 B.C., the ancient city of Lydia produced coins with the value printed on them.