Description
This Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli recipe offers a lighter take on the classic creamy pasta dish by using Greek yogurt, almond milk, and whole wheat fettuccine. Packed with lean chicken breast and nutritious broccoli, this meal strikes the perfect balance of comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Pasta
- 8 oz whole wheat fettuccine (or any pasta of your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté Garlic: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the unsweetened almond milk, low-sodium chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Yogurt: Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt, and nutmeg (if using). Continue stirring gently until the sauce is creamy and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the whole wheat fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and gently toss to combine. Then add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat well with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk with skim or low-fat milk for a creamier texture.
- Using Greek yogurt adds protein while keeping the sauce creamy and low in fat.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, as Parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
- For gluten-free option, substitute the whole wheat fettuccine with gluten-free pasta.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides better flavor than pre-grated cheese.