Description
This Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli recipe offers a lighter, nutritious twist on a classic creamy pasta dish. Tender grilled chicken breasts, fresh broccoli florets, and fettuccine pasta are tossed in a homemade low-fat Alfredo sauce made with garlic, low-fat milk, low-sodium chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 ounces fettuccine or whole wheat pasta
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 ½ cups low-fat milk
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk and low-sodium chicken broth. Continue stirring and simmer the mixture for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well in the Alfredo sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Substitute broccoli with spinach or peas if preferred or unavailable.
- For extra creaminess without added fat, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
