(Gluten-Free + Make It South African or Canadian!)
A Hug in a Bowl 🇿🇦 + 🇨🇦
Since being back from all the wedding magic Karoo mornings, lamb kofta in Istanbul, and all the family hugs in between. Life has been lifing (well, for a while now, actually a few years, lol). A lot has changed, including becoming a mom to a curious, funny, smart, and very snack-loving toddler.
These days, I’m mostly figuring out what’s for dinner…or what snack will buy me 10 minutes of peace while I cook. And this deliciously creamy pasta? It’s one of those go-to meals that fills all our bellies, makes the whole house smell like love, and somehow feels like a little win at the end of a wild day.
It’s a dish I don’t really attempt myself, this one’s my husband’s recipe, and honestly, it’s one of my absolute favourite things he cooks. He’s the real foodie in our house. And bonus: it’s a sneaky way of getting broccoli into our little one’s diet (most days).
What I love most, is that it brings a bit of us into the dish:
- 🇿🇦 Add shredded biltong for a nostalgic South African twist. It’s salty, chewy, and full of home vibes.
- 🇨🇦 Swap in maple-flavoured bacon for that subtle sweetness Canadians know and love. It just works, eh!
Whether you go classic, biltong-style, or full maple moment, this is comfort food done our way, gluten-free, creamy, cozy, and full of flavour.
INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- ½ pack of bacon, diced (or maple bacon or biltong)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 box (410g) gluten-free spaghetti
- 1 pack Alfredo sauce
- 1 knob of butter (1-2 tbsp)
- 2 cups milk (lactose-free or regular)
- 125g cream or cream cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: Use ½ cup shredded biltong instead of bacon for a South African twist.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Fry the bacon until crispy. Set aside (keep that bacon fat!).
- In the same pan, cook the chicken until golden. Set aside.
- Sauté the onions in the same pan until soft.
- In a pot, gently heat milk, stir in Alfredo sauce and cream cheese until smooth. Season.
- Add in the onions, chicken, bacon (or biltong) and broccoli. Let it all simmer.
- Boil pasta according to instructions. Drain.
- Combine everything. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken and serve warm.
🥦 Tips, Twists & Toddler Wins
- Toddler tip: Chop the broccoli super small so it melts into the sauce, they’ll barely notice!
- No maple bacon? Make your own (quick oven method below!).
- Make it dairy-free: use coconut cream + plant cheese.
- Bonus: it’s even better the next day.
🍁 No Maple Bacon? Quick Hack:
DIY Maple Bacon:
- Bake bacon for 7 min at 200°C (392°F).
- Brush both sides with maple syrup.
- Bake another 6–8 min until crispy.
- Cool, chop, and stir in.
Share Your Twist!
Whether you go full Canadian, throw in biltong, or keep it classic. I’d love to see your version. Tag me on IG
📸 Tag me @cocoagirlintoronto or leave a comment on the blog.
Related Posts
- 10 Hours in Istanbul: A Whirlwind of Chai, Kofta & That Turkish Magic
- Mini-Moon in the Karoo: Food, Nature & Quiet at Drie Kuilen
CocoaGirlinToronto 
Sounds delicious 😋 will have to give it a go!
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