To simplify the sauce, we opt for a pre-shredded Italian cheese blend.
Though cheese blends vary, they typically contain Parmesan cheese, imparting the traditional Alfredo flavor.
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat.

Photo:Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
Add pasta; cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 minutes.
Reserve 1 1/4 cups of the cooking water; drain the pasta.
Melt butter in a large broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Cook, stirring often, until a creamy sauce forms, about 2 minutes.

Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
Add 1 cup cheese; cook, stirring constantly, until melted, about 1 minute.
Add the pasta and chicken; cook, stirring frequently, until heated through.
Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
Broil until the cheese is bubbling and browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
Top with Parmesan and parsley.
The chicken provides lean protein.

Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
The cheese and milk also add protein, as well as calcium and other vitamins and minerals.
The broccoli, whole-wheat penne and onion all add fiber, vitamins and minerals.
A standard cast-iron Dutch oven is a great option, as it can go from stove to oven.
We recommend a classic, heavy-duty aluminum 9-by-13 baking pan.
Nonstick and glass pans are not broiler-safe.
- Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.