Pasta Alfredo with Broccoli

1 lb of your favorite pasta

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

2 cups light cream

1 teaspoon garlic powder

fresh ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups broccoli florets

1/2 cup shredded basil

2 cups cooked chicken, bite-sized pieces

-Bring a large pot of salted water (6 to 8 quart pot) to a boil (for the pasta). While you are waiting for the

water to boil, prepare the sauce.

-In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream, garlic powder and pepper.

-Stir the sauce to combine your ingredients, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until

it thickens.

-When the large pot of water begins to boil, add your pasta to the water and cook according to package

directions.

-Zap the broccoli for a minute or two on "high" in your microwave, just long enough to soften them slightly.

(Or you could add the broccoli into the boiling water/pasta for the last minute or so).

-When the sauce has thickened up, add the grated cheese and stir. Turn off the heat.

-Drain the pasta (reserve 1 cup of the cooking water in case you need it to thin the sauce). Return the pasta to

the pot you cooked it in.

-Add the sauce, broccoli, chicken and basil to the pasta and stir to combine. Heat on low if needed, stirring

constantly until desired temperature is reached.

-When serving, top with additional shredded basil and freshly grated cheese, if desired.