Description
This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a lighter take on the classic creamy pasta dish, featuring tender chicken breasts, nutritious broccoli florets, and a flavorful low-fat Alfredo sauce made with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2–3 minced garlic cloves
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Sauce
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional for added flavor)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine or pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam or boil the broccoli florets until tender but still vibrant green, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate saucepan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring. Gradually add the low-fat milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking on medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add a pinch of nutmeg if desired, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Then add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve: Plate the Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For an even lighter version, use whole wheat or chickpea pasta.
- If you prefer, swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and gives richer flavor.
- Make sure to whisk the sauce constantly to prevent lumps and burning.
- Broccoli can be substituted with other vegetables such as asparagus or spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
