Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo recipe offers a rich, creamy, and comforting meal featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a smooth sauce made with plant-based cheese and natural ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines balanced nutrition and easy preparation, making it perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, grated or crumbled
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (such as fettuccine or penne)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and trim broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic and grate or crumble the plant-based cheese so it is ready to melt into the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking to steam gently and retain their vibrant color and crunch. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large pan, melt plant-based butter over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add minced garlic to the pan, stirring until fragrant but not browned. Pour in vegetable broth, then add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar. Slowly stir in plant-based cheese and sprinkle natural gelling agent, whisking continuously to create a creamy and thick sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing gently to coat everything well. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use natural gelling agent sparingly and whisk constantly to avoid lumps for perfect sauce consistency.
- Add broccoli late in pasta cooking to keep it crisp-tender.
- Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes to preserve juiciness.
- Use fresh garlic for enhanced sauce flavor.
- Warm plant-based cheese to room temperature before adding for smoother melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli alfredo, plant-based alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, quick dinner, dairy-free pasta sauce
