Monday, April 18, 2011

Shortcut Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo


How was everyone's weekend?!  Ours was pretty good.  Well.  Besides the fact that we froze our butts off on Saturday.  Seriously, 40F?! 


And I know what you're thinking, if it was so cold, why were you outside Peggy?  Well, it was Thunder Over Louisville this past Saturday.  What exactly is that?  Well, it's one of the biggest fireworks shows in the United States and the masses gather outside for an all day event (tons of street food, an air show, a Bats baseball game, FIREWORKS, etc.).  It's definitely great people-watching material.  Seriously... the people of Kentucky really come out.  We won't get too into it, but just sayin'.  Entertainment is everywhere.

I took a video of the fireworks finale (it's kind of shaky because I was FREEZING) but I'll post it tomorrow to give you guys a taste of what the fireworks are like.

Anyway, about this meal.  I remember when I was a kid, my mom would make "alfredo" using a can of Campbell's Cream of (insert whatever you want here: chicken, mushroom, celery, etc.)  Not an authentic "alfredo" by any means, but I think most moms took this shortcut every now and then.  Am I right? 

So I decided to bust this out to remember what this was like.  And I made a few changes, just to jazz it up and it came out pretty tasty.  I definitely prefer an actual homemade alfredo to this, but it's definitely a quick fix that hits the spot in a hurry!

Ingredients:


12 oz. package of penne pasta
1 large broccoli head, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 lb. of chicken (you could really use any part here, breasts, thighs, drumsticks - I had drumsticks in the freezer so I just skinned and boned them, and then cut them into cubes), cut into cubes/strips
10 & 3/4 oz. can of Cream of Mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.  Mine took about 10-12 minutes for a nice al dente.  Add broccoli to pasta during last 4-5 minutes of boiling.  Drain pasta and broccoli well and return to pot.

In a large skillet, melt butter under medium high heat.  Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes (depending on the chicken part that you use).

Mix in soup, milk, parmesan, and cayenne.  Season mixture with salt and pepper, to taste.

Pour mixture into pot with penne and broccoli and bring mixture to a boil, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.   

Serve pasta hot and top with additional shredded Parmesan, if desired.

See... easy right?  It's good for a quick meal.  I'm not ashamed to use those condensed soups.  I mean, there's just some things from childhood you just can't give up, right?


Have a great Monday guys!  Be back tomorrow for some firework action!

17 comments:

  1. ahhh Thunder Over Louisville sounds like a blast! and the alfredo is comfor food in a bowl! =) yum!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

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  2. What a great idea for a shortcut to a really yummy dish :)

    Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Hi Peggy! I appreciate a short cut recipe anytime and this doesn't look like short cut at all.. I can't wait to see the fireworks video tomorrow.

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  4. delicious looking pasta with the cream of mushroom must be tasty

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  5. This is one of my favorite dishes. Yours looks wonderful!!

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  6. You just can't go wrong with alfredo :) Looks yummy!

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  7. Yes! I love alfredo and this short cut version looks so tasty!

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  8. I find that the earliest part of Spring is hardest to "survive" because I look forward so much for the warmer weather to come...

    This pasta looks delicious and good that it is a short cut recipe.

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  9. Looks creamy and yummy despite of short cut way!

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  10. Creamy and mouthwatering dish... Yummy...

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  11. I love easy, delicious recipes like this one. Sounds great.

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  12. Adore shortcuts and this is just fantastic! Looks like this would warm you up. Cheers to warmer climes!

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  13. One of my husband's favourite comfort food; yes...me too I sometimes use that shortcut too and that's ok.
    Rita

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  14. It looks good - haven't opened a canned soup in years, but I make a pretty good cream of mushroom....

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  15. I crave alfredo SO often but rarely ever feel like making a roux, etc. This sounds perfect for those occasions!

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  16. Yum!! Perfect comfort food for 40F. I hope spring will arrive soon for you guys.

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