Broccoli – Chicken Alfredo

First I want to apologize for the quality of the photo.  I moved a year ago to this new rural location and I still have not set up a decent spot for food photos.

The inspiration for this came from a recipe that arrived in an email from Pillsbury. On first glance I said to myself, “That looks quick and easy”. Then on second glance, I said, “Wait a minute. I’m cooking four things at once:

• Pasta
• Chicken
• Broccoli
• Alfredo Sauce

Then on third thought, I said to myself, “Start the water boiling for the pasta first…” and it turned out easy.

Using canned chicken breast chunks makes the job a lot easier.  I used 2 cans of the Kirkland (Costco) brand, but Swanson or Hormel would be fine.

Ingredients

16oz Pasta, Rigitoni, Ziti, Farfalle, or Rotini

20-24oz Canned chicken breast chunks.

1 stick (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter

1 cup Whipping cream

2 cups grated Parmigiano Reggiano

1.5 cups broccoli florets

Method

Mise en Place:

Put a large pot of water on the stove over medium-high heat for the pasta. Put a medium-sized pot of water on the stove  over medium-high heat for the broccoli. Place a bowl of cold water near the stove.  Cut broccoli heads into florets if not already done.  Grate the Parmigiano Reggiano if not already done.

Start the pasta and broccoli:

When both pots of water are boiling, put the pasta and broccoli into their respective pots.

After 2 minutes remove the broccoli from the boiling water and place it in the bowl of cold water to stop it cooking.

Start the Alfredo Sauce:

Put a smaller (2qt) saucepan on the stove over medium heat.  Melt the butter. Add the cream and Parmigiano Reggiano. Whisk together. Add salt to taste. Turn the heat down to a simmer.  Let the sauce thicken. Then move it to a spot where you can keep it warm

Drain the Pasta and Broccoli:

When the pasta is done, drain it through a strainer or colander, then set aside. Likewise drain the broccoli through a strainer or colander.

Heat the Chicken:

Put a fry pan or saute pan with some oil on the stove over high heat. Heat the chicken.  When the chicken is hot add the broccoli. Toss.

Serve:

Put some pasta on the plate.  Top the pasta with the chicken-broccoli mixture.  Then top that with the Alfredo sauce.

 

Serves 4