Ah, pasta! The universal language of comfort food. For me, there’s something about a plate of creamy Alfredo that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Now, I’m no stranger to the occasional indulgence, but I also love keeping my meals on the lighter side.
That’s why today, I’m excited to share my take on Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo. This dish combines the beloved flavors of traditional Alfredo while making room for a healthier twist. So, grab your apron—you’re going to want to whip this up.
What is Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?
Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a lighter version of the classic Italian dish. It features tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta, all wrapped in a creamy sauce that’s full of flavor—without the guilt.
The recipe strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and health, so you can enjoy your favorite dish while sticking to your wellness goals. Plus, with fresh ingredients and wholesome flavors, you have every reason to gather your loved ones around the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love this Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Let’s dive into reasons this dish will have your taste buds dancing:
1. Healthier Ingredients: We’re swapping heavy cream for a combination of whole milk and cream cheese. You still get that creamy texture but with fewer calories and saturated fats.
2. Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a fulfilling meal ready to serve.
3. Packed with Nutrition: With chicken providing protein and broccoli adding fiber, you’re fueling your body while pleasing your palate.
4. Flavorful and Satisfying: The blend of garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
5. Versatile: This dish can easily be customized! Vegetarian options? No problem! Want more veggies? Toss them in!
Let’s roll up those sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty of this scrumptious dish.
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The Ingredients
When I make this dish, I go for high-quality ingredients that elevate the flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or unsalted butter: For richness and flavor.
- 1/2 small onion, finely minced: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 5–6 fresh garlic cloves, minced: A must-have for that aromatic kick.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: To thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth (or filtered water): Helps build the sauce base.
- 1 cup whole milk: Creaminess without the extra calories.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Adds that classic silky texture.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty finish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A pop of freshness for garnish.
For the Chicken:
- 2 medium boneless chicken breasts, pounded evenly or sliced in half: Your protein source.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For cooking the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon EACH of garlic powder, sweet paprika, Italian herb seasoning, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper: A medley of seasonings for flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A touch of heat to wake up the dish.
Pasta and Veggies:
- 8–10 ounces dried pasta of your favorite shape: I recommend fusilli or penne for better sauce adherence.
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds color, nutrition, and crunch.
Step by Step Instructions
Time to bring this dish to life! Here’s a detailed guide on creating the perfect Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you get cooking, measure out all your ingredients. Chop your garlic and onion, and cut the broccoli into florets. This will make the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs, sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts.
Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest. Slice it afterward.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and toss in the minced onion. Cook for about 3 minutes until it softens. Next, throw in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Make sure the garlic doesn’t burn!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onion and garlic, stirring continuously to combine. This step will create a roux, which thickens the sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens—this should take about 4-5 minutes.
Now, add the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until both are melted and the sauce is creamy. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash more of milk.
Step 5: Add in the Pasta and Broccoli
While you’re making the sauce, cook your pasta according to package instructions. In the last two minutes of cooking, drop the broccoli florets into the pasta pot. This allows the broccoli to become tender while retaining its bright green color.
Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli, then add them to the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until well combined; it should look luscious and inviting.
Step 6: Bring it All Together
Stir in the sliced chicken and mix until it’s evenly distributed. Let it simmer for a minute to heat everything through. You can taste it now and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Dish out generous portions and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For an added treat, top with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit more zing!
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few nuggets of wisdom I’ve gathered along the way:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and good-quality cheese really boost the flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Properly seasoning at every step gives your dish depth.
- Pasta Perfection: Undercook your pasta by a minute. It’ll finish cooking in the sauce without getting mushy.
- Cream Cheese Hack: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. It melts much easier!
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well but add a splash of milk when warming to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Information
Let’s take a look at the nutrition breakdown of this delightful dish (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Can I Store Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?
Absolutely! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat gently on low heat to maintain the creamy texture. You may want to add a little extra milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
What Can I Serve with Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?
Pairing your dish can elevate your meal. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: A classic that everyone loves. Perfect for sopping up leftover sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh greens salad with a zesty dressing complements the richness of the Alfredo.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add some charred veggies for extra flavor and color on the plate.
- Spring Rolls: Add a pop of crunchiness and a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on a skewer offer a bright, appetizing addition.
Variations
Ready to switch things up? Here are some exciting variations to consider:
- Replace Chicken with Shrimp: For a seafood twist, substitute shrimp. Just cook them in the sauce till pink.
- Go Veggie-Only: Skip the chicken altogether. Use an assortment of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap traditional pasta for whole wheat or a gluten-free variety for a healthier base.
- Add Spinach: Fold in fresh spinach during the final stages of cooking for added nutrients and a pop of color.
- Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes for those who really like to turn up the heat.
Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or unsalted butter: For richness and flavor.
- 1/2 small onion finely minced: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 5 –6 fresh garlic cloves minced: A must-have for that aromatic kick.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: To thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth or filtered water: Helps build the sauce base.
- 1 cup whole milk: Creaminess without the extra calories.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Adds that classic silky texture.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty finish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A pop of freshness for garnish.
For the Chicken:
- 2 medium boneless chicken breasts pounded evenly or sliced in half: Your protein source.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For cooking the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon EACH of garlic powder sweet paprika, Italian herb seasoning, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper: A medley of seasonings for flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A touch of heat to wake up the dish.
Pasta and Veggies:
- 8 –10 ounces dried pasta of your favorite shape: I recommend fusilli or penne for better sauce adherence.
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds color nutrition, and crunch.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Before you get cooking, measure out all your ingredients. Chop your garlic and onion, and cut the broccoli into florets. This will make the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs, sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts.
- Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest. Slice it afterward.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and toss in the minced onion. Cook for about 3 minutes until it softens. Next, throw in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Make sure the garlic doesn’t burn!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onion and garlic, stirring continuously to combine. This step will create a roux, which thickens the sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens—this should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Now, add the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until both are melted and the sauce is creamy. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash more of milk.
Step 5: Add in the Pasta and Broccoli
- While you’re making the sauce, cook your pasta according to package instructions. In the last two minutes of cooking, drop the broccoli florets into the pasta pot. This allows the broccoli to become tender while retaining its bright green color.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli, then add them to the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until well combined; it should look luscious and inviting.
Step 6: Bring it All Together
- Stir in the sliced chicken and mix until it’s evenly distributed. Let it simmer for a minute to heat everything through. You can taste it now and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Dish out generous portions and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For an added treat, top with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit more zing!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and good-quality cheese really boost the flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Properly seasoning at every step gives your dish depth.
- Pasta Perfection: Undercook your pasta by a minute. It’ll finish cooking in the sauce without getting mushy.
- Cream Cheese Hack: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. It melts much easier!
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well but add a splash of milk when warming to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Frozen broccoli is just as nutritious and will save you prep time. Just quickly blanch it before adding it to the dish.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein or more veggies. The Alfredo sauce is fantastic without any meat.
3. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy sauce and pasta appeal to children’s tastes, and you can sneak in the broccoli without them batting an eye.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can! Make the sauce and prep the chicken and veggies earlier in the day. Store separately in the refrigerator and combine when you’re ready to serve.
5. What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy flavor without the cream. You can also use cashew cream.
Conclusion
There you have it! A delicious, guilt-free Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo that brings creamy goodness without sacrificing your health goals. It’s quick to make and endlessly adaptable, making it a perfect dish for any day of the week.
So the next time you find yourself in need of a comforting meal, I hope you remember this recipe. Not only will it satisfy your cravings, but it will also fill you with nutrients and joy. In my kitchen, there’s always room for a little bit of indulgence, especially when it tastes this good and you can feel great about it. Whip up a batch, gather your loved ones, and enjoy every last bite!
