Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Wannabe

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Wannabe

You've been working all day. You have the kids to deal with....homework....practices. The dogs barking, the cat's walking figure eights around your ankles and someone is blowing up your cellphone with texts. And your version of Sir Sportsalot is asking if his favorite shirt is clean.

In the middle of all this....you have dinner to think about. You don't have a lot of time or energy but you'd still like to make a home cooked dinner for your family (because no matter what....a home cooked meal is better for you than any fast food drive-thru. Say no to the urge). You need something quick and easy.

Before you get started, put your phone on 'silence'....put the dog outside and feed the cat. Tell Sir Sportsalot that his shirt is in the dryer (even if it's not. It'll hush him up for a while) Then pour yourself a glass a whine. Oopps...I mean wine (there will be no whine before it's time). Take a deep breathe....close your eyes and relax those shoulders.

This recipe calls for very basic ingredients. This isn't a fabulous, knock your socks off recipe. It's just good. It's satisfying and it's quick. Adjust the seasonings to your own taste. If you or little Johnny don't like broccoli...use a different veggie.

The recipe as written calls for boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks. If you want to really speed things up...use chicken that's already been cooked.

• Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo (adapted from a soup can like the one in the picture)
• 8 oz of linguine (or what ever pasta you have in the pantry)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen broccoli flowerets (or your favorite veggie)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized chunks (quicker if it's pre-cooked)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or more!!)
• 2 - 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Pepper to taste

Prepare the linguine according to the package directions. During the last 4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to the boiling water. If you'd rather not....then just steam the broccoli while you prepare the sauce. Drain the linguine and broccoli and set aside.

(take a sip of wine and continue to breath and relax)

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned (or heated through if using pre-cooked chicken), stirring often.

(don't forget to sip your wine in between stirs)

Add the garlic and stir for about a 30 seconds or a minute....you just don't want it to burn and get bitter in taste.

Stir in the soup, milk, cheese and black pepper...

Add in the linguine and broccoli. Heat, stirring (and sipping wine) occasionally, until hot and bubbly.

Guess what?! Dinner is ready. You survived. Garnish each serving with a little more Parmesan cheese and ring that dinner bell!

Fast forward an undetermined amount of time and the kids are in bed. The dishes may (or may not) be done. The dog's asleep, the cat's outside hunting for god knows what....and Sir Sportsalot has forgotten about his favorite shirt. (the phone can wait until tomorrow).

You need a treat. A little side trip to paradise maybe? Even if it's just a mental trip...a daydream. Right? So let's put a little, slight reality to that daydream. Let's treat ourselves to a tropical cocktail.

Who's ready for a Loco Loco Mocha Mocha?

Chill....and Cheers!