Cajun chicken broccoli alfredo (Printer-Friendly Version)

Spicy chicken, tender broccoli, and pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce with a Southern-inspired twist.

# Ingredients Needed:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb boneless chicken breast, sliced into even pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 12 oz penne pasta

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or lightly steamed

→ Dairy

04 - 1 cup heavy cream (full fat)
05 - ½ cup whole milk
06 - 1½ cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Oils & Fats

08 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
10 - 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Pat chicken dry and season evenly with salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Allow to rest for 2-3 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside. Steam or lightly boil broccoli florets until bright green and crisp-tender, approximately 3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
03 - Heat butter and olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook without excessive stirring for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Avoid browning to prevent bitterness.
05 - Slowly pour in heavy cream while scraping up any browned bits from the pan for enhanced flavor. Gradually add whole milk, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth, silky sauce base. Heat gently until the mixture approaches a simmer.
06 - Add grated mozzarella cheese gradually, stirring slowly to fully melt and create a thick, velvety sauce. Maintain gentle heat to prevent sauce separation.
07 - Return cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss to coat everything evenly with Alfredo sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as desired.
08 - Serve immediately while creamy, garnished with extra grated cheese, freshly ground black pepper, or chopped parsley if desired.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Freshly grated cheese ensures a smoother sauce. Avoid boiling the sauce once cheese is added to prevent curdling.
02 - Steaming broccoli until just tender preserves color and texture.

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