Crispy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta in Alfredo Sauce
A creamy, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta (fettuccine or penne) according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente.
3. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water.
4. Drain both the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
5. While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
9. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté for 1 minute.
10. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and bring to a simmer.
11. Stir occasionally until the sauce is heated through.
12. You can add a splash of pasta water to thin the sauce if it’s too thick.
13. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
14. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
15. Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet and gently mix them into the pasta and sauce.
16. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
17. Serve the crispy chicken and broccoli pasta in Alfredo sauce on plates.
18. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Additional Tips:
1. For extra crispy chicken, you can coat the chicken pieces with a little flour or breadcrumbs before cooking.
2. If you want a richer sauce, you can make a homemade Alfredo sauce by combining heavy cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
3. For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat pasta or cauliflower pasta.
Enjoy your Crispy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta in Alfredo Sauce!