Spicy Shells with Broccoli and Blue Cheese

Christine Bettiga's Note:

Very hearty and spicy comfort dish!

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 12 ounces shell pasta
• 2 cooked boneless chicken breasts, shredded
• 2 scallions, finely chopped (white and light green parts only)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 4 cups small broccoli florets
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can navy beans, undrained (great northern substitute nicely)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 1/2 cups crumbled blue cheese
• 12 cherry tomatoes

Directions:

1. Cook pasta in large pot of salted water according to package instructions.
2. In a small kettle cover chicken with water, add salt and simmer until cooked through.
3. Shred the chicken and set it aside.
4. Save stock for later.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Add scallions, cook 4 minutes or until wilted but not brown.
7. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
8. Add broccoli and chicken broth that you saved.
9. Cover, bring to a boil and cook 2-3 minutes.
10. Broccoli should be crisp-tender.
11. Add undrained beans, salt, crushed red pepper and black pepper, stir gently.
12. Heat for 1-2 minutes.
13. Drain pasta, return to pot.
14. Add the broccoli mixture and chicken.
15. Increase heat to medium, add 1/4 cup of the chicken stock.
16. Bring to a boil.
17. Add 1 cup cheese, stir until cheese is melted.
18. Add additional 1/4 cup chicken stock if necessary to thin sauce.
19. Sprinkle with the rest of the blue cheese and serve.
20. Top with cherry tomatoes.

Reviews

[Lucy'sMom]

Great recipe! If you like spicy food and blue cheese this is the BEST recipe. A great dish for pot luck. I used mushrooms too! Will definitely make again. Served it with side salad. See photo.

[Queer Eye in the Kitchen Guy]

This was terrific! I had to use white beans & didnt have enough blue cheese, but it was really good! I also chickened out on the whole tsp of pepper flakes & used only 1/2 and that was a mistake. Should have used it all. Definitely a keeper, especially for Fall/Winter. Thank you for sharing Christine!