angel's alfredo

Thanks to Wacky Mommy for prompting me to post this.

Appropriately named after my friend who makes it best, this is a quick and delicious - and versatile! - dinner. I keep the basic ingredients on hand so I can quickly throw it together for somebody else. Look here for why.

Alfredo Dinner (20 minutes - tops!)

1 stick (8 tblsp) butter
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
3/4 C fresh grated parmesan
1 C milk, divided
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 lb fettucini or other pasta
* 1 head broccoli (or 8 oz frozen), cut up
* 2-3 boneless chicken breasts, grilled

(*optional ingredients)

In a large pan, bring 2 quarts of water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.

Throw broccoli in boiling water (with the pasta) for the last five minutes of cooking the pasta.

In a medium sauce pan over med-low heat, add cream cheese, butter, and garlic. As all of that melts, stir in 3/4 C of the milk, whisking constantly to "de-lump" it.

Add the parmesan and remaining milk, and stir. If it is too runny for your liking, turn the heat down and stir for a few minutes as it thickens. If it is too thick, add a bit more milk to desired consistency.

Once the sauce is smooth, it is ready for the pasta. Toss together.

Non-vegetarian option: add slices of grilled chicken to the pasta & sauce.

Viola! Dinner is served.

Enjoy...

p.s. To take to somebody: make the sauce, and put it in a jar. Take pasta (and broccoli and chicken, if using), uncooked, with cooking instructions. That way, they can enjoy dinner fresh.