Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw it completely and pat it bone dry with paper towels before roasting. Frozen broccoli tends to release more moisture, so you might need an extra 2-3 minutes in the oven to get that perfect Parmesan crunch.

Help! I made it too spicy - how do I tone it down?

No worries - stir in an extra tablespoon or two of cream to dilute the heat. A squeeze of lemon juice or teaspoon of honey can also balance out the spiciness beautifully. Next time, start with just 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes and add more to taste.

What's the best pasta to serve with this?

Fettuccine is my go-to because those wide ribbons hold all that creamy spicy feta sauce like a dream. But penne or rotini work great too - anything with nooks to catch the sauce!

Can I prep any components ahead?

You bet! Roast the Parmesan broccoli up to 2 days in advance (re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes). The spicy feta cream sauce also keeps well refrigerated for 3 days - just reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

Description

A creamy and flavorful dish combining pesto chicken with a spicy feta cream sauce and crispy Parmesan broccoli.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup pesto sauce
1 tsp red pepper flakes
2 cups broccoli florets
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss broccoli with olive oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes until crispy.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until done, about 6-7 minutes per side.
In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, feta, pesto, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Slice chicken and serve with spicy feta cream and roasted broccoli.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
Use fresh pesto for best flavor.
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop and Oven
Cuisine: Italian-American