Ziti with Chicken and Broccoli in White Wine Cheddar Sauce

8 oz. ziti or other tube pasta
1 1/2 tbsp. butter
1/4 c. roasted garlic paste (see directions below)
1 1/2 tbsp. flour
1/4 c. dry white wine
1 c. chicken broth
2 c. fresh broccoli florets, blanched or steamed until tender
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled and cut into bite-sized pieces
3/4 c. shredded white cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper

To make garlic paste, roast 2 to 3 heads of garlic. When cool, squeeze cloves out of skin into a bowl. Mash with fork.

Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook pasta until al dente.

Meanwhile, melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. When just starting to foam, add garlic paste and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add flour to skillet and cook until beginning to turn golden, about 2 minutes. Add wine and cook until evaporated, about 1 minute. Stir broth into pan and simmer sauce until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add cheddar and stir constantly while returning to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fold in pasta, chicken, and broccoli; stir until sauce covers uniformly. Plate and top with shaved parmesan, if desired.