Oh wow, let me tell you about this pesto chicken alfredo with spicy feta cream parmesan broccoli crunch! It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug with its creamy texture and bold flavors. Seriously, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! The combination of tender chicken, fresh pesto, and that spicy feta cream sauce is just heavenly. And don’t even get me started on the crunch from the broccoli—it’s the perfect touch that makes this dish pop!
This recipe is a delightful symphony of ingredients that come together in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress at a dinner party. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one close to your heart (and your recipe box)! Let’s dive right in and make something spectacular!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream Parmesan Broccoli Crunch
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 2 cups of pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 8 to 10 minutes for al dente perfection. Don’t forget to stir it occasionally, so it doesn’t stick together! Once it’s cooked, drain it and set it aside. Trust me, you want that pasta ready to soak up all that creamy goodness!
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Pesto
Now, grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Toss in your cooked chicken (1 cup, shredded) and pour in the 1/2 cup of pesto. Stir it around so the chicken gets nicely coated with that vibrant green flavor bomb. Heat everything through for about 3-4 minutes. You want it warm and aromatic, filling your kitchen with the most delicious scent!
Step 3: Add Cream and Feta
Next, let’s make it creamy! Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream and add the 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Stir gently until the feta starts melting into that luscious sauce. Keep stirring for about 2-3 minutes until everything is beautifully combined and creamy. It’s like a dreamy hug for your taste buds!
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Now, time to kick it up a notch! Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for that spicy kick. Give it a good stir and season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to start with a little and adjust as I go; you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! So, taste it as you go and make it your own!
Step 5: Mix in the Broccoli
Don’t forget the broccoli! Add in your 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets to the sauce and stir it all together. You want those little green beauties to be coated in that creamy sauce. Not only does it add color, but that crunch is just delightful! It’s like a surprise in every bite!
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Now, let’s bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything until the pasta is evenly coated in that spicy feta cream sauce. I like to use tongs for this part—it helps everything mix beautifully without breaking the pasta. Just look at it—gorgeous!
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Finally, it’s time to serve! Plate up your delicious pesto chicken alfredo and finish it off with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. It adds that extra salty goodness that just makes everything sing! Grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Rich and creamy flavor from the spicy feta cream sauce that you won’t be able to resist.
- Nutritious broccoli adds a satisfying crunch and boosts the dish’s healthiness.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, yet fancy enough for impressing guests.
- Versatile—you can easily customize the spice level to your liking.
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Fills you up without weighing you down—perfect for a low-calorie meal.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this pesto chicken alfredo with spicy feta cream parmesan broccoli crunch! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier twist, swap out regular pasta for whole wheat. It adds a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber!
- Adjust the Spice: If you love some extra heat, feel free to amp up those red pepper flakes! On the flip side, if you’re serving little ones or spice-averse friends, you can always skip them or use a milder pepper.
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs! Adding a handful of chopped basil or parsley right before serving can brighten the dish and add a fresh kick.
- Cheese Choices: If feta isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a creamier texture, or even a sprinkle of ricotta for a different flavor profile.
- Leftover Chicken: This dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any other cooked chicken you have on hand. It saves time and adds great flavor!
- Make it Vegan: For a plant-based version, swap the chicken for chickpeas or grilled veggies, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and try nutritional yeast in place of the cheese for that cheesy flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Make sure your broccoli is steamed just until tender-crisp. You want that lovely crunch to shine through in the final dish!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a pesto chicken alfredo that’s not just delicious but also tailored to your taste! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about what’s in this delicious pesto chicken alfredo with spicy feta cream parmesan broccoli crunch! Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per serving, so you know what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any customizations you make. It’s a hearty meal that packs a flavorful punch while keeping things balanced. Enjoy every bite, knowing it’s all about good food and good vibes!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like, whether it’s penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type you choose.
What if I don’t have feta cheese?
If feta isn’t available, don’t worry! You can swap it for goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor or even cream cheese for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that it will slightly change the taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and pasta separately, then combine them just before serving. If you do prepare it in advance, I recommend reheating gently on the stove with a splash of cream to keep it creamy.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add in more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also toss in some chickpeas for protein and fiber.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or water to bring back that creamy texture!
For more information on the health benefits of broccoli, check out this Healthline article. If you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional value of feta cheese, you can visit this Healthline page.
Imprimer
Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream Delight
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Calories
Description
A creamy and flavorful dish featuring chicken, pesto, and a spicy feta cream sauce, topped with crunchy broccoli.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, combine cooked chicken and pesto over medium heat.
- Add heavy cream and feta cheese, stirring until melted.
- Add red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper.
- Incorporate steamed broccoli into the sauce.
- Mix the sauce with the cooked pasta.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes.
- Fresh basil can enhance the flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 30g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: pesto chicken alfredo, spicy feta cream, parmesan, broccoli, crunch
