Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy, comforting dinner featuring tender chicken breast, vibrant broccoli florets, and a luscious plant-based cheese sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish delivers balanced nutrition and rich flavor with simple ingredients, perfect for a satisfying meal any night.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (plant-based) cheese
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (natural)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken breast into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Chop the broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside for quick access.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until it is cooked through and lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Steam the Broccoli: Lightly steam the broccoli florets until just tender but still vibrant green and crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking to retain texture and nutrients.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same pan, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, then slowly whisk in the plant-based milk until smooth. Add the natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar (plant-based) cheese until fully melted. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, nutmeg (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural).
- Combine and Heat Through: Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli back into the pan with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated and warmed through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo over freshly cooked pasta or your favorite grain for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear and avoid steaming.
- Do not overcook broccoli to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Whisk continuously while adding plant-based milk to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Use freshly shredded (plant-based) cheese for better melting rather than pre-shredded.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of plant-based milk or vegetable broth.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Leftover dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding plant-based milk if needed to loosen sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Broccoli Alfredo, Plant-based Cheese Sauce, Creamy Chicken Dinner, Quick Chicken Recipe, Family Dinner, Comfort Food, Dairy Free Alfredo
