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
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