Description
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce made with plant-based cheese and natural sauces. This quick and family-friendly meal is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights, and offers balanced flavors that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (shredded)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Pasta and Seasoning
- 8 ounces noodles of choice (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop the broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic finely. Prepare the noodles according to package instructions, reserving some pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and fresh ground black pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Broccoli and Garlic: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add the broccoli florets and minced garlic, sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in plant-based milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and other natural sauces if included. Gradually sprinkle in the natural gelling agent while whisking to thicken the sauce evenly. Add the plant-based cheese and stir continuously until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Toss the cooked noodles, chicken, and sautéed broccoli in the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency. Heat through for 2 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
- Serve and Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to help it absorb sauce better and maintain texture.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and maintain creaminess.
- Fresh broccoli provides the best crunch and color; frozen can be used if necessary.
- Stir gently when adding cheese to avoid clumping and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to deepen the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta, plant-based Alfredo, creamy pasta, quick dinner, family meal
