Eating broccoli regularly (more than once a week) has countless health benefits; It reduces the risk (by up to 45 %) of bladder, ovarian, lung, colon, breast, and prostate cancer, it helps correct sun damage to the skin, it helps prevent cataracts, it contributes to building strong bones, it fights birth defects in pregnant women, and it boosts the immune system. I feel healthier already just thinking about it!

Grilled Chicken Rigatoni with broccoli: Serves 4

Roast one head of garlic in a 400 degree oven. (To roast a head of garlic, tightly wrap it- unpeeled-in two pieces of aluminum foil and seal it completely. Place it directly on the oven rack and roast about 30 minutes or until it is soft when you press on it). When the garlic is done, open the aluminum foil and let it come to room temperature. Once it is cool enough to handle, squeeze the garlic out of the cloves and into a small bowl. Set aside.

Season 4 boneless, skinless, chicken cutlets with a generous amount of Kosher salt and black pepper, and a sprinkle of olive oil. Grill chicken cutlets on a BBQ outdoors or in a grill pan on the stove top. When chicken is done, slice into strips and set aside.

Meanwhile, cook one pound of Rigatoni pasta in salted, boiling water.

As the pasta and chicken are cooking, saute a head of broccoli (cut up into florets) in a small skillet with 2 Tbsp olive oil. As it cooks, season the broccoli with salt and pepper. When the skillet starts to dry out, add 1/3 cup of water and continue cooking until tender.

When the pasta is cooked al dente (cooked through but still firm when you bite it), drain it and toss it in a big bowl with the chicken strips, 1/3 cup of grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, the broccoli, and the roasted garlic. Top with a few pinches of torn fresh basil.

Easy weeknight dinners is published every Tuesday at noon.  

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Jessica Alfreds

Jessica Alfreds is a Chef, Caterer, and Event Planner based in New York City. She is currently working on her first cookbook, teaching herself how to sew, and attempting to live a purposeful life. Jessica is a 3rd generation New Yorker and currently resides in the East Village. Visit jessicaalfreds.com.

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