Description
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a rich, creamy, and colorful dish combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious plant-based cheese sauce made with fresh ingredients. This comforting and satisfying meal is quick to prepare, nutritious, and ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta (use gluten-free pasta if desired)
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded or grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to steam gently while the pasta finishes cooking, maintaining bright green color and a crisp-tender texture.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta and broccoli cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat and add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the unsweetened plant-based milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar (natural). Gradually whisk in the plant-based cheese (plant-based) and sprinkle in the natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: Drain the pasta and broccoli well, then add them to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss in the sliced chicken and gently mix everything until evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately: Plate the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta while warm. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil and a sprinkle of plant-based cheese (plant-based) for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to hold shape and texture under the sauce.
- Don’t overcook broccoli; add it near the end of pasta cooking time to keep it vibrant and crunchy.
- Use fresh garlic for stronger aromatic flavor.
- Add plant-based cheese (plant-based) slowly to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Season gradually, tasting as you go, to balance salt, pepper, and vinegar.
- Warm the sauce gently to prevent separation or burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli alfredo pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, gluten-free pasta dish