If you’re craving a creamy pasta dish but want to keep things light and nourishing, this Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and wholesomeness, with tender chicken, bright green broccoli, and a luscious yet healthy Alfredo sauce that brings everything together beautifully. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without any guilt, making it a wonderful choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner that your whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe has a special role to play. From the lean chicken adding hearty protein to the fresh broccoli lending a burst of color and nutrition, every component is simple yet essential for that perfect, balanced bite.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips: Choose fresh chicken for tender, juicy slices that cook evenly.
- 8 ounces fettuccine or whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat adds fiber and a lovely nutty flavor without sacrificing texture.
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets: Bright and vibrant, broccoli gives a satisfying crunch and nutrients.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds healthy fats and a subtle richness to the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce and chicken with aromatic depth.
- 1 tablespoon flour: The base for creating a smooth, thickened sauce.
- 1 ½ cups low-fat milk: Keeps the sauce creamy but light.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Enhances flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers that classic Alfredo tang and richness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Season to taste without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick to balance the creaminess.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional): Adds warmth and subtle complexity to the sauce.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Freshens up the dish with a burst of color and herbal notes.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. To make the most of your time and keep those vibrant greens at their best, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Once tender but still crisp, drain the pasta and broccoli together, then set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they develop a lovely golden crust and are cooked through. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy while providing a pleasant texture. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—you’ll be bringing it back into the sauce shortly.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk vigorously for one full minute to cook out the raw flour flavor and create a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the low-fat milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened to a luscious sauce consistency.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce along with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re using it. The Parmesan melts into the sauce for that classic Alfredo flavor, while the seasoning keeps everything balanced. Now, return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and broccoli into the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to coat in the creamy sauce, warming for another 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top adds not only a pop of bright green that complements the broccoli but also a fresh herbal note that brightens the entire dish. For an optional twist, consider a dash of freshly ground black pepper or even a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for a glossy finish that catches the eye.
Side Dishes
This recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add different textures and flavors. Crusty garlic bread or a light vegetable soup makes for a perfect pairing without weighing you down.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a small mound of grated Parmesan and a sprig of parsley on top. You could also layer the pasta in a casserole dish, sprinkle extra cheese, and lightly bake for a golden finish. This Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe is versatile enough to dress up or keep casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool to room temperature before packing them into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, this dish stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for an easy next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freeze the Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe in freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 1 month. Just be mindful that the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much to bring back that creamy, luscious texture. Stir often to heat evenly without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine pairs wonderfully with Alfredo sauce, other pastas like penne, linguine, or whole wheat options work just as well and add variety to the meal.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can swap out the milk and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese, but be prepared for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Using skim milk or unsweetened plant-based milk and reducing the amount of cheese can help cut calories while still keeping the dish tasty and satisfying.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh broccoli?
Frozen broccoli works just fine—just steam or blanch it before adding. Other green veggies like spinach or peas can also make great swaps for added nutrition.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your flour substitute (like cornstarch or gluten-free flour) is safe for your dietary needs when making the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a nourishing twist. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both filling and wholesome. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite on your dinner rotation!
Print
Healthy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
A wholesome and lighter take on the classic Chicken Alfredo, featuring tender chicken breast strips and fresh broccoli florets tossed with whole wheat fettuccine in a creamy, low-fat Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 ounces fettuccine or whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 ½ cups low-fat milk
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions. About 2–3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the same boiling water. Once cooked, drain both and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken strips and cook for 5–6 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Roux: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Broth: Slowly whisk in the low-fat milk and low-sodium chicken broth, stirring constantly. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well with the Alfredo sauce. Heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For dietary preferences, substitute whole wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- If broccoli isn’t available, replace with spinach or peas for variety.
- For extra creaminess without added fat, mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt at the end.
