Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8-10 ounces pasta, any shape
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Chicken
- 2 medium chicken breasts, pounded flat or cut in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken stock or water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta and broccoli: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; during the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to steam them lightly. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the Alfredo sauce base: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Sauté the minced onion over medium heat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Thicken the sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes without browning.
- Add liquids and cheese: Gradually whisk in the chicken stock (or water) and whole milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in cream cheese until smooth, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
- Toss pasta and broccoli with sauce: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli directly into the Alfredo sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Slice and serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and place over the pasta and sauce mixture. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to modify the recipe for dietary preferences.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half the whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or another low-fat milk alternative.
- Adjust seasoning in the Alfredo sauce to taste, adding extra garlic or Italian herbs if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Calorie