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Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet

Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet
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This quick and easy Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet is a comforting, creamy, and dairy-free dish packed with wholesome goodness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features tender chickpeas, crisp broccoli, and a luscious cashew-based Alfredo sauce, creating a nutritious and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or anyone seeking a wholesome plant-based dinner.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • Canned Chickpeas – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Fresh Broccoli – 2 cups, chopped into bite-sized florets
  • Onion – 1 small, finely diced
  • Garlic – 4 cloves (2 for sautéing, 2 for sauce)

Alfredo Sauce Components

  • Cashews – 1 cup, soaked for at least 4 hours or quick soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
  • Nutritional Yeast – 1/4 cup
  • Vegetable Broth – 1 cup (plus more as needed for sauce consistency)
  • Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

Cooking Essentials

  • Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas to remove excess sodium and improve flavor. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves separately for sautéing and the sauce.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, building a savory flavor base.
  3. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and vibrant green, preserving both texture and nutrients.
  4. Blend the Alfredo Sauce: In a blender, combine soaked cashews, the remaining 2 cloves of garlic, nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy, forming a dairy-free Alfredo sauce.
  5. Combine Chickpeas and Sauce: Stir the drained chickpeas into the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the blended Alfredo sauce over the mixture. Gently stir to coat all ingredients evenly. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce and allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Serve Warm: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or chives, and sprinkle with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for added flavor.

Notes

  • Soak cashews overnight or at least 4 hours for the creamiest sauce; quick soak in hot water for 30 minutes if pressed for time.
  • Do not overcook broccoli; keep it tender yet slightly firm to preserve nutrition and texture.
  • Use fresh garlic in both the sauce and sauté for enhanced aroma and depth of flavor.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by adding more vegetable broth if it becomes too thick or cashew-heavy.
  • Taste and season with salt and lemon juice to achieve a bright, balanced flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chickpea, broccoli, alfredo, dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, healthy dinner, one-pan, quick meal

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/chickpea-broccoli-alfredo-skillet/