A~B~C - Almond, Broccoli, Chicken
A creamy chicken and broccoli pasta dish with toasted almonds and garlic, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with rich flavors and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut broccoli into florets.
- Boil broccoli for 2 minutes until soft but still green.
- Drain and transfer to ice water; set aside.
- Spread almond slivers on a cookie sheet and toast in a 350°F oven until golden.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat until just smoking.
- Dust chicken strips with flour and add to the pan away from you.
- Cook chicken until browned, then turn and cook the other side.
- Remove chicken from pan, discard oil, and wipe pan clean.
- Return pan to stove, add 1 teaspoon olive oil and chopped shallots or onion.
- Cook until translucent.
- Add chopped garlic and cook for a moment without browning.
- Pour in white wine or chicken stock, reduce by half, then add heavy cream.
- Stir occasionally over low heat until sauce thickens enough to coat a wooden spoon.
- Add cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and toasted almonds; let simmer for 1 minute.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked, cooled fettuccini and toss lightly until pasta is heated through.
- Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with cheese, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs before cooking. If you don't have heavy cream, half-and-half can be a lighter alternative. Toasting the almond slivers enhances their nuttiness, so don't skip that step. For a lighter version, try using zucchini noodles instead of fettuccini. This dish can be easily adapted with seasonal vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served as a main course or as a hearty side. It pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as a Linguini-Basil Salad, or a simple garlic bread. For wine pairing, a glass of Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce well. Finish the meal with a refreshing dessert, like sorbet, to cleanse the palate after this rich dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken stock to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta rubbery. For best results, reheat only what you plan to consume to preserve texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of A~B~C - Almond, Broccoli, Chicken contains roughly 510 calories, with 12g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccini is traditional, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as penne or linguine. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the shape of the pasta. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you're looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and a little cornstarch. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or cashew cream, which will still give you a rich texture while being plant-based.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or snap peas. Just sauté them with the shallots for a few minutes before adding the garlic. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds vibrant colors to your dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).