Description
Enjoy a healthy twist on a classic Italian favorite with this Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo. Featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, low-fat Alfredo sauce made with cream cheese and Parmesan, this dish is both satisfying and guilt-free. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz whole wheat fettuccine pasta
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the whole wheat fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken.
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, preparing it for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it with the chicken for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make sauce: Stir in 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup of low-fat cream cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, which will take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add broccoli: Add 1 cup of broccoli florets to the skillet and cook them with the sauce and chicken for an additional 3 minutes to soften slightly while remaining crisp.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine and coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Season and serve: Finally, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when simmering the sauce.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit more chicken broth until desired consistency is reached.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best taste.
- To save time, use pre-cut broccoli florets from the store.
