Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe – A Light and Delicious Twist on the Classic!
Description: Looking for a healthier take on classic Chicken Alfredo? Try this delicious, creamy, and low-calorie recipe that’s full of flavor but light on calories. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 8 oz whole wheat fettuccine or zucchini noodles
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the low-fat milk and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly. Then, add the Greek yogurt and continue stirring until smooth and creamy.
Cook the Noodles:
- In a separate pot, cook the whole wheat fettuccine (or zucchini noodles if you prefer a low-carb option) according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Toss until the noodles are well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add the sliced chicken and toss again to combine everything.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy Chicken Alfredo!
Cooking Tips:
- For extra vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to the pasta for a boost of nutrients.
- To make it dairy-free: Substitute the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
- For a lighter version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of whole wheat fettuccine for a low-carb option.
Why You'll Love This Healthy Chicken Alfredo:
- Lightened-Up Version: This recipe gives you all the creamy goodness of traditional Chicken Alfredo without all the heavy calories.
- Packed with Protein: The chicken provides lean protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this healthier take on a classic favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta, spiralized zucchini noodles, or even spaghetti squash as alternatives to the whole wheat fettuccine.
Can I make this ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this recipe? Since the sauce contains Greek yogurt, it may not freeze well without changing the texture. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for later use.
Tags: #HealthyChickenAlfredo, #LightChickenAlfredo, #HealthyDinner, #LowCalorieAlfredo, #CreamyChickenAlfredo, #EasyHealthyRecipe
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