Description
This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a lighter, healthier take on the classic creamy pasta dish. Featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich yet low-fat Alfredo sauce made with cream cheese and chicken broth, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner ready in just 25 minutes. Whole wheat fettuccine adds fiber and texture, making this a nutritious and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Fats and Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Dairy and Cheese
- 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Carbohydrates
- 8 oz whole wheat fettuccine pasta
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the whole wheat fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and cook them until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the low-sodium chicken broth, low-fat cream cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Broccoli: Incorporate the broccoli florets into the skillet and cook them for an additional 3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the dish immediately while warm and enjoy your skinny chicken broccoli Alfredo.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or asparagus.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- To make it dairy-free, try substituting cream cheese and Parmesan with vegan alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
