Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo


 Cuisine: American  Type: Entree

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo : Entree in American cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Chicken
2 breasts (454)
Broccoli
2 cups (340)
Alfredo Sauce
1 cup (240)
Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (100)
Butter
2 tablespoons (28)
Garlic
2 cloves (6)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Pasta
8 ounces (227)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Water
4 cups (946)
 Totals
84 oz (2,379 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Chicken
335
Broccoli
55
Pasta
200
Butter
102
Heavy Cream
52
Parmesan Cheese
122
Garlic
4
Salt
0
Pepper
0
 Totals
870 kcal

 Steps 


1. Cook the chicken: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet and let it heat up. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Prepare the broccoli: While the chicken is cooking, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.

3. Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine the ingredients: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips. Add the chicken and steamed broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

5. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo immediately. You can serve it over cooked pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine, or with a side of garlic bread. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Enjoy!

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo:

1. Chicken breast:
- Substitute with cooked chicken thighs, shredded rotisserie chicken, or tofu cubes.
- Adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. Broccoli:
- Substitute with cauliflower florets or zucchini slices.
- Adjust cooking time if necessary, as zucchini cooks faster than broccoli.

3. Alfredo sauce:
- Make a white sauce by combining 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

4. Parmesan cheese:
- Substitute with grated Romano or Asiago cheese.
- Adjust quantity according to taste preference.

5. Garlic:
- Substitute with garlic powder or garlic salt.
- Use 1/2 teaspoon of powder or salt per clove of garlic.

6. Butter:
- Substitute with margarine or olive oil.
- Adjust quantity based on personal preference.

7. Pasta:
- Substitute with any pasta shape you have available.
- Adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

8. Salt and pepper:
- Adjust the amount according to personal taste.

Note: Adjustments in cooking time may be required depending on the substitution made.

 Pairings 


- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- White wine (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
- Crusty French baguette
- Steamed asparagus
- Roasted potatoes
- Side of mixed greens
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Grilled zucchini
- Creamy mashed potatoes

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs on top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve in a shallow pasta bowl or on a rectangular plate for a more elegant presentation.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Sauté the chicken in garlic-infused olive oil for added depth of flavor.
- Roast the broccoli with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to enhance its natural sweetness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use homemade Alfredo sauce made with real cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Substitute regular chicken with organic or free-range chicken for a more premium taste.
- Incorporate truffle oil or truffle butter into the sauce for a decadent touch.

Remember to adjust the cooking times and temperatures accordingly to ensure the dish is cooked to perfection. Enjoy your next-level Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo!

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Replace traditional Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream and butter with a lighter version using low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk and a small amount of olive oil.
- Opt for skinless chicken breast instead of using chicken with the skin on to reduce saturated fat content.
- Increase the amount of broccoli in the dish to boost fiber and nutrient content.
- Use reduced-fat or part-skim cheese instead of full-fat cheese to reduce overall calorie and saturated fat intake.
- Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to increase the variety of nutrients in the dish.
- If desired, substitute the chicken with tofu or legumes (such as chickpeas or lentils) for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Reduce the amount of salt by using herbs, spices, or low-sodium chicken broth to flavor the dish.
- For individuals watching their calorie intake, reduce the portion size of pasta and increase the amount of vegetables in the dish.
- If lactose intolerant, use lactose-free milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream instead of regular milk.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use whole wheat or whole grain pasta instead of regular white pasta.
- Opt for skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken with skin.
- Use low-fat or skim milk instead of heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce.
- Replace butter with olive oil or cooking spray for sautéing the chicken and broccoli.
- Increase the amount of broccoli in the dish to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Add some garlic and herbs for flavor instead of relying solely on cheese for taste.
- Use a reduced-fat or part-skim cheese for the Alfredo sauce.
- Limit the amount of cheese used in the dish to reduce saturated fat content.
- Season with herbs and spices rather than relying on excessive salt.
- Serve a smaller portion size to control calorie intake.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by purchasing pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken strips, instead of cooking it from scratch.
2. Opt for frozen broccoli: Use frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh ones to save time on washing, trimming, and cutting. They are also usually more affordable.
3. Utilize jarred Alfredo sauce: Instead of making Alfredo sauce from scratch, use a good quality jarred Alfredo sauce. It will save you time and still provide a delicious creamy taste.
4. Cook pasta in advance: Cook the pasta ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to use, simply reheat it in boiling water for a few seconds, ensuring it doesn't overcook.
5. Add extra seasonings: Enhance the flavor by adding herbs and spices like garlic powder, dried basil, or Italian seasoning to the Alfredo sauce. This will give it a homemade touch without much effort.
6. Bulk buy ingredients: Purchase chicken and broccoli in bulk when on sale, and freeze them for future use. This will help you save money in the long run.
7. Substitute chicken thighs: Opt for chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts as they are usually cheaper and have more flavor. Just remove the skin before cooking for a healthier option.
8. Use less cheese: Reduce the amount of cheese in the Alfredo sauce to cut costs without compromising too much on taste. You can also try using a less expensive cheese variety.
9. Serve with a side dish: Instead of using a large amount of chicken and broccoli, serve the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo with a side dish like garlic bread or a simple salad. This will make the meal more filling and economical.
10. Plan for leftovers: Prepare a larger batch of Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo and refrigerate or freeze the leftovers for future meals. This saves time and money by providing ready-made meals on busy days.