This lighter version of the classic Italian favorite combines tender chicken and nutritious broccoli in a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats whole wheat pasta perfectly. It’s a delicious compromise between indulgence and healthier eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo delivers all the creamy comfort of traditional Alfredo but with fewer calories and more nutrition. The whole wheat pasta provides extra fiber, while the protein-packed chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli make this a balanced meal in one dish. It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts provide lean protein and make this dish filling and satisfying. They absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully and pair perfectly with the pasta and vegetables.
Broccoli florets add color, texture, and nutrition to this dish. They provide a slight crunch and earthy flavor that balances the creamy sauce, while boosting the fiber and vitamin content of the meal.
Olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken and helps create the base of the sauce. Its subtle flavor enhances the overall dish without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Garlic adds aromatic depth and punchy flavor to the Alfredo sauce. Fresh minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic from a jar will work in a pinch.
Low-fat cream cheese is the secret to creating a creamy sauce with less fat than traditional heavy cream. It melts beautifully and provides that signature Alfredo richness while keeping the dish lighter.
Low-sodium chicken broth adds flavor while thinning the cream cheese to create a smooth sauce. Using low-sodium allows you to control the salt level in the final dish.
Parmesan cheese brings umami depth and authentic Italian flavor to the sauce. Freshly grated works best for melting and flavor, but pre-grated will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
Italian seasoning infuses the dish with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, adding complexity without requiring multiple spice jars.
Whole wheat fettuccine offers more fiber and nutrients than regular pasta. Its hearty texture stands up well to the creamy sauce, but you could substitute regular fettuccine if preferred.
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in chicken broth, cream cheese, and Italian seasoning, then simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add broccoli and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, making it a lighter alternative to traditional Alfredo dishes. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with cooking time around 15 minutes, bringing the total time to just 25 minutes – ideal for weeknight meals when time is limited.
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and double the broccoli, or add sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.
Seafood Twist: Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon for a seafood Alfredo variation.
Extra Vegetables: Add spinach, peas, bell peppers, or asparagus for more color, flavor, and nutrients.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of whole wheat, keeping all other ingredients the same.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give your Alfredo a spicy edge.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce during storage.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the broccoli and sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to rejuvenate the sauce if it has thickened. Stir frequently until heated through. Microwave reheating works too – cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warm.
Meal Prep: This recipe works well for meal prep. Consider slightly undercooking the pasta and broccoli if you plan to reheat later, to prevent them from becoming too soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw it first – simply add it directly to the sauce and increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
How can I make this recipe even lower in calories?
To reduce calories further, you could use reduced-fat Parmesan cheese, increase the ratio of broccoli to pasta, or use zucchini noodles in place of some or all of the pasta.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture, though they will increase the fat content slightly. Just ensure they’re fully cooked before proceeding with the recipe.
My sauce seems too thick. What should I do?
If your sauce is too thick, simply add more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. If making completely ahead, slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue to soften when reheated.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative that still provides creaminess and flavor.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment to complete the meal. For a lighter option, try roasted vegetables or a tomato and cucumber salad.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), or when the pieces are no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, this sauce works well with penne, rotini, or any pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce. Short pasta shapes might be easier for children to eat.
Why is my sauce grainy?
A grainy sauce can result from adding the Parmesan cheese when the sauce is too hot or boiling. To prevent this, reduce the heat before adding the cheese and stir continuously until fully melted.
Conclusion
This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo offers the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. By using whole wheat pasta, lean protein, and a lightened-up sauce, you get all the satisfaction of classic Alfredo without the heaviness. It’s versatile enough to adapt to your dietary preferences and what you have on hand, making it a reliable addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for yourself, this dish proves that healthier versions of classic comfort foods can be just as delicious as their traditional counterparts.
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Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
A healthier take on classic Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, made with whole wheat fettuccine and low-fat ingredients for a delicious and guilt-free meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 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
- 8 oz whole wheat fettuccine pasta
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in chicken broth, cream cheese, and Italian seasoning, then simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add broccoli and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute whole wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust the amount of broccoli according to your preference.
- Add red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
