Pasta con Broccoli

Enjoy a dinner date at home with this creamy Pasta con Broccoli.  It's quick to prepare and super tasty.  

1 (8 - 10 oz) grilled chicken breast, cut into chunks

8 oz Cavatelli shells

4 Tbsp butter, divided

2/3 cup mushrooms, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup half and half

1 cup milk

1/4 cup tomato sauce

1 cup broccoli, chopped

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Cook pasta in salted water for 4 minutes (ladle out one cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside) and then drain.  

Leave pasta in the colander and melt 2 Tbsp butter in the pot.  Add the mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes over medium heat.  Empty into a bowl and set aside.  

Melt 2 more Tbsp and add the garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.  Whisk in the half and half, milk, and tomato sauce.  Add the pasta and then bring to a boil over medium heat.  Boil for 4 - 5 minutes (add the broccoli, chicken, and mushrooms for the last 2 minutes), stirring occasionally.

When pasta is al dente, remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.  Add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time to thin sauce to desired consistency.  Salt and pepper to taste.  

Serve garnished with more Parmesan.