Description
A quick, creamy, and comforting Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet featuring tender chickpeas, fresh broccoli, and a dairy-free cashew-based Alfredo sauce. This wholesome one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cashew Cream Sauce
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in warm water for at least 15 minutes and drained
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond or oat)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
Vegetables & Chickpeas
- 1 head fresh broccoli, cut into florets (about 3 cups)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the cashew cream sauce: Soak 1 cup raw cashews in warm water for at least 15 minutes, then drain. Blend the soaked cashews with 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and salt to taste until silky smooth. This creamy sauce forms the base of the Alfredo.
- Sauté the broccoli and garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes until vibrant and slightly tender. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add chickpeas and sauce to the skillet: Drain and rinse 1 can of chickpeas, then add to the skillet. Pour the prepared cashew cream sauce over the veggies and chickpeas. Stir gently to coat evenly, then let simmer for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and sauce thickens slightly.
- Season and finish: Season with freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving to add a fresh pop of color.
Notes
- Soak cashews well to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without graininess.
- Do not overcook broccoli to retain its tender-crisp texture and bright color.
- Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic impact.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding more plant-based milk if too thick or more nutritional yeast for extra cheesiness.
- Warm sauce gently to avoid boiling, which can curdle the texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: chickpea, broccoli, alfredo, dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, one-pan, creamy, healthy, plant-based
