When I think about what dish to prepare for Valentine’s, I usually think Italian. Maybe Disney’s cartoon movie, The Lady & The Tramp, had something to do with that. There’s puppy love, the romantic Bella Notte song, and the “…spaghetti speciale heavy on the meats-a-ball.” Any ways.

Since my wedding anniversary is almost a month away, my husband and I wait for that instead. On Valentine’s day, we stay in for dinner. 🙂 If you are the braves ones who go out that evening, endure the two-hour wait with the rest of the couples, I salute you.

In the past, I’ve prepared my Aunt Norma’s Beef Lasagna (soon to be featured on the blog), Chicken Penne Alfredo, or the classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. I usually have a Caesar salad and garlic cheese bread to go along with the main dish. For dessert, I whip up a strawberry shortcake or dark chocolate brownies.

This year I plan on making my Chicken Broccoli Fusilli Alfredo.

You will need the following ingredients:

Chicken, Broccoli, & Pasta:

2 chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 fresh ground black pepper

3 cups broccoli

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

salt/pepper to taste

4 cups fusilli pasta, cooked al dante

Alfredo Sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, (1 stick)

16 oz heavy cream

1/2 cup whole milk

5 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

2 oz parmesan cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 350º F.

Cut the chicken into bite size chunks. In a sauté pan, fry chicken in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Cook for about 20 minutes or until chicken is slightly browned. Set aside in a bowl off heat.

In the same pan chicken was cooked, place butter to melt over medium-low heat. Add heavy cream and whole milk and bring to a simmer. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add minced garlic and parmesan cheese. Whisk until sauce is slightly thick. Do a taste check.

In a small sauté pan, cook broccoli in olive oil with garlic over medium-low heat. Season to taste.

Mix chicken, broccoli, and cooked pasta in a baking dish. Pour gently the sauce. Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Just before serving, top with grated parmesan cheese and allow to sit for about 5 minutes.

Whether you are enjoying the night with a special someone, a group of friends or having it all to yourself, I hope this hits the spot. Have a fun Valentine’s day!

Be warmed & fed,

Liz