🍗🥦🍅🌿🧀 Tuscan Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Sundried Tomato-Basil Cream & Parmesan Broccoli
This richly flavored and comforting bowl captures the essence of Tuscany, featuring tender pan-seared Tuscan chicken and perfectly roasted Parmesan-crusted broccoli. Everything is generously coated in a luxurious Alfredo sauce, uniquely loaded with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic basil, and savory garlic. A final elegant drizzle of sweet-tart balsamic glaze elevates this gourmet meal to an unforgettable culinary delight.
Yields: 2-3 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus chicken marinating time)
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
🍗🌿🧄 Pan-Seared Tuscan Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into ½-inch thick cutlets or bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 tbsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
🥦🧀 Roasted Parmesan-Crusted Broccoli:
1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
🍅🌿🧄 Sauce: Alfredo Loaded with Sun-Dried Tomato, Basil, and Garlic:
2 tbsp butter 🧈
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped (or puréed) 🍅
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped 🌿
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 (for sauce)
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
✨ Twist Garnish: Balsamic Glaze Finish:
2-3 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade by simmering balsamic vinegar until reduced)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare Roasted Parmesan-Crusted Broccoli:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets with 2 tbsp olive oil, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure broccoli is well coated.
Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp and the Parmesan is golden and crusty.
Prepare Pan-Seared Tuscan Chicken:
While broccoli roasts, in a bowl, toss chicken with 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes (for bites) or 2-3 minutes per side (for cutlets), stirring/flipping occasionally, until cooked through and nicely browned. Set aside.
Prepare Alfredo Loaded with Sun-Dried Tomato, Basil, and Garlic:
In the same large skillet (no need to clean from chicken), melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chopped fresh basil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, allowing flavors to meld.
Pour in 1 ½ cups heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually add 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Keep warm over very low heat.
Assemble & Serve:
Add the cooked pan-seared Tuscan chicken to the Alfredo sauce and gently stir to coat.
Divide the roasted Parmesan-crusted broccoli among plates or bowls.
Spoon the creamy, flavorful Tuscan Garlic Chicken Alfredo mixture generously over the broccoli.
Finish each serving with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy this truly magnificent and satisfying Tuscan feast!
Tips for Success:
Sun-Dried Tomato Texture: For a very smooth sauce, you can purée the sun-dried tomatoes with a tablespoon of olive oil before adding them to the sauce. For more texture, chop them finely.
Broccoli Crust: Ensure the broccoli is spread in a single layer and not overcrowded for the best Parmesan crust.
Chicken Doneness: Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
Balsamic Glaze: Store-bought balsamic glaze is convenient. If making your own, simply simmer balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat until it reduces and thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Sauce Consistency: If the Alfredo sauce seems too thick, you can thin it with a splash of warm chicken broth or milk.