Imagine diving into a creamy, luxurious pasta dish that tastes like pure indulgence but won't derail your healthy eating goals. This Skinny Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is the ultimate game-changer for food lovers who want to enjoy a classic comfort meal without the extra calories. With a perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a lightened-up Alfredo sauce, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and satisfying!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 8 oz whole wheat fettuccine
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and chopping broccoli florets into uniform sizes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add whole wheat fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken in the skillet, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in low-fat milk. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add broccoli florets to the sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Drain cooked pasta and add to the skillet with sauce. Gently fold in cooked chicken pieces.
- Toss everything together, ensuring chicken and pasta are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right chicken: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breast and cut it into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcook the broccoli: Aim for tender-crisp florets by cooking them briefly. This preserves their vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Whisk the sauce carefully: Add Parmesan cheese gradually and whisk constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition: This helps increase fiber content and makes the dish more filling.
- Watch your garlic: Sauté it quickly to release flavor without burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Season in layers: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at different stages of cooking for maximum flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
