If you’ve been craving a comforting pasta dish without the heavy guilt, the Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe is here to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This delightful spin on a classic Alfredo uses simple ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and al dente pasta. The result is a meal that feels indulgent yet stays light, delivering all the satisfaction you want in a wholesome, balanced plate. Once you try this recipe, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly it combines ease, healthfulness, and pure deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of essential ingredients, this recipe focuses on fresh components and pantry basics that come together beautifully. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and color to bring this Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe to life.
- Broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color and crisp freshness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor without adding extra fat.
- Fettuccine or pasta of choice: The classic vehicle for Alfredo, providing that satisfying bite and texture.
- Low-fat milk: A lighter substitute that keeps the sauce creamy without the heaviness of cream.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness without overwhelming the dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty flavor and helps melt the sauce into a silky finish.
- Olive oil: For cooking the chicken, offering a subtle fruity note and heart-healthy fats.
- Minced garlic cloves: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and a bit of zest.
- Salt and black pepper: To season flawlessly and enhance all the natural flavors.
- Nutmeg (optional): A tiny pinch adds an unexpected, cozy depth typical of traditional Alfredo sauces.
How to Make Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. While the pasta cooks, steam or boil your broccoli florets until they turn tender but still maintain a satisfying bite. Setting these aside ensures they’re ready to mix into the creamy sauce later without any overcooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the cubed chicken breasts. Sear them until golden on the outside and fully cooked through, seasoning with salt and black pepper as you go. This step locks in juiciness and builds a tasty base for the Alfredo sauce to shine alongside.
Step 3: Whip Up the Light Alfredo Sauce
In a separate saucepan, gently sauté the minced garlic in a little olive oil until fragrant to release its savory aroma. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce beautifully. Gradually pour in the low-fat milk and chicken broth, stirring steadily to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat until the sauce becomes creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Seasonings
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Now is the moment to sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous—it adds a subtle warmth that elevates the flavor profile without overwhelming it.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Bring your cooked chicken, broccoli, and pasta together in a large bowl or back in the skillet. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the top and toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bite is coated with that luscious sauce. This is where the dish comes together in all its creamy, satisfying glory!
How to Serve Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley over each serving. A tiny drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish stands on its own as a filling meal, but if you want to add more texture or color, consider serving it alongside a crisp mixed green salad or roasted garlic bread. These sides complement the creamy Alfredo flawlessly and round out the dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe in individual pasta bowls with a sprig of fresh basil on top or plate it in shallow dishes with a swirl of extra sauce drizzled artistically around the edges. Presentation always elevates the meal to restaurant-worthy status!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce creamy, ready for a quick reheat.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Keep in mind the broccoli might soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavors will remain delightful.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir often to restore that creamy texture and prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, any pasta you love will work nicely. Penne, linguine, or even whole wheat varieties can add a unique touch.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to keep it creamy while avoiding dairy.
Can I add other vegetables besides broccoli?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking times to make sure everything is tender.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Cooking chicken over medium heat and not overcrowding the pan helps it sear nicely without drying out. Also, cutting into similar-sized cubes ensures even cooking.
How can I make the Alfredo sauce thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker sauce, add a bit more flour when making the roux; for a thinner sauce, simply increase the milk or broth quantities slightly while cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe that combines comfort, healthiness, and simplicity all on one plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or surprising friends with a lighter twist on a classic, this dish promises to satisfy taste buds without weighing you down. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your home kitchen!
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Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthy and delicious Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a light Alfredo sauce made with low-fat milk and Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering all the comfort of traditional Alfredo with fewer calories and fat.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2–3 minced garlic cloves
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
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional for added flavor)
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Steam or boil broccoli florets until tender but still vibrant green. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a separate saucepan, sauté minced garlic cloves until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to make a roux. Gradually add low-fat milk and chicken broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add a pinch of nutmeg if desired to enhance the flavor. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the sauce, then toss in the drained pasta. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and all ingredients are well combined.
- Serve: Serve the Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour.
- You can steam broccoli in the microwave by placing it in a covered dish with a tablespoon of water for about 3-4 minutes.
- Use low-fat or fat-free milk to keep the dish lighter.
- If you want a richer sauce, substitute some of the milk with half-and-half, but this will increase calories and fat.
- To save time, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, but adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
