Recipe: Dairy-free Creamy Chicken + Broccoli with perfect cashew cream

Creamy pasta has always been my jam, as long as I can remember. The only problem? My belly doesn't do well with a ton of dairy, so creamy sauces are typically saved for special occasions only. Thankfully, there are so many delicious alternatives to my creamy favorites- like this super easy cashew-based creamy chicken and broccoli.⁠ ⁠ Whether you're a low-dairy girl like myself or you just want an easy pantry alternative that takes 30 seconds to whip up- you will love this perfect cashew cream (my 6 year old couldn't keep her fingers out of it!)- and the rest of the recipe comes together in NO time.

Perfect Cashew Cream:

2 cups cashews, soaked and drained

1 1/2 cups cold water

1/3 cup nutritional yeast 1 tbsp lemon juice (more to taste)

1/2 tsp sea salt

1. Blend all ingredients well in a high speed blender until smooth. Season to taste (you want this slightly over-seasoned because it will be diluted while tossing with other ingredients).

Optional additions: For cashew 'alfredo' add in:

1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp onion powder

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli:

2 cups cooked and diced or shredded boneless chicken (breast, thighs) seasoned with salt and pepper (if desired) 1 whole cooked spaghetti squash (see below) 2 cups steamed or blanched broccoli

Cook the Spaghetti Squash:

Option 1: Preheat oven to 375. Slice off bottom of spaghetti squash to allow for more control when slicing. Slice in half and scoop out seeds. Spray or grease a glass or metal baking pan/sheet. Place squash, cut-side down, on baking sheet or pan. Roast in oven for 45 minutes-1 hour. Option 2: Cut as directed above. Add 1 cup water in Instant Pot and place cut-side down. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. Release steam and serve.

All together now:

1. Remove meat from squash and toss with broccoli, chicken and 1-2 cups cashew cream.

2. If ingredients are not hot, bake in oven for 15 minutes at 375 until hot and serve!