Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Instructions:

• Step 1.

  In a small bowl, mix together the spices for the blackening seasoning.

• Step 2.

  In a bowl, toss the Hungry Planet Chicken™ with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the blackening seasoning and toss to coat completely in the seasoning. Heat a heavy-bottomed or cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Do not add any oil. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan and sear until one side is blackened, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn the pieces and blacken the other side. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

• Step 3.

  In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant but not browned. Add wine, 3 cups water, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, a few cracks of black pepper, and cauliflower florets. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the cauliflower is very tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

• Step 4.

  Use a hand blender to puree the cauliflower mixture into a very smooth sauce. Alternatively, use a high-powered blender or food processor to puree the sauce. (Be careful when blending hot liquids-- the steam pressure can blow the lid off your blender. To allow venting, cover the vent in your blender lid with a thin kitchen towel.)

• Step 5.

  Cook pasta in moderately salted water until al dente (1 to 1½ tablespoons of salt per gallon of water). Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.

• Step 6.

  In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of the reserved pasta water with the vegan parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir to combine and then add to the cauliflower sauce. Pulse with the hand blender (or upright blender/food processor) until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired (the sauce will taste less salty when added to the pasta).

• Step 7.

  Transfer the pasta to a large pot or pan. Add the cauliflower alfredo sauce and toss gently to combine. If the consistency is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, ¼ cup at a time, until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and just coats the noodles.

• Step 8.

  Serve the pasta with the blackened chicken and sliced green onion.