If you’re craving a rich and creamy pasta dish without the guilt, this Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. It beautifully blends tender chunks of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luscious yet light Alfredo sauce that feels indulgent but stays kind to your waistline. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, it’s a perfectly balanced meal that delivers all the comforting flavors you love in classic Alfredo, but with fewer calories and none of the heaviness. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe will win hearts and keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe truly shine, you just need a handful of everyday ingredients that combine to create amazing taste and texture. Each element plays a vital role, from the tender chicken that adds protein, to the vibrant broccoli providing color and crunch, and the creamy sauce that brings everything together in perfect harmony.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Adds a fresh, vibrant crunch and a pop of green that makes the dish visually appealing and nutritious.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed (1 pound): Provides lean protein for a satisfying, hearty meal.
- Fettuccine or pasta of choice (8 oz): The base that soaks up the sauce beautifully—feel free to pick your favorite type!
- Low-fat milk (1 cup): Offers creaminess without the extra fat, keeping the sauce light.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce into that perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds depth of flavor and balances the richness of the cheese and milk.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings that distinctive sharp, salty kick essential to any Alfredo.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Ideal for cooking the chicken evenly with a mild fruity flavor.
- Minced garlic cloves (2-3): Infuses the sauce with wonderful aroma and savory warmth.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle, cozy note that elevates the sauce without overpowering.
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 it’s al dente. Then drain it and set it aside so it’s ready when the rest of the dish comes together. While the pasta cooks, steam or boil the broccoli florets just until they are tender but still crisp—this keeps their vibrant green color and fresh texture that adds a perfect contrast to the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, then add the cubed chicken. Cook until the chicken pieces are golden brown on the outside and cooked through, seasoning them with salt and pepper as they cook. This step ensures juicy, flavorful chicken that complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce without adding any heaviness.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a separate saucepan, sauté the minced garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant, which only takes about a minute. Then whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking it briefly to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the low-fat milk and chicken broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Let this mixture simmer over medium heat until it thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Final Flavors
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fully and gives the sauce that signature cheesy richness. Add a pinch of nutmeg if you like—a little goes a long way in adding a cozy warmth to the flavor profile. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to make sure the sauce is perfectly seasoned.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Now it’s time for the magic moment: add the cooked chicken, broccoli, and drained pasta into the sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring every noodle and bite of chicken and broccoli is luxuriously coated in that silky sauce. Serve immediately so you can enjoy the dish at its creamiest and most flavorful.
How to Serve Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, try sprinkling some extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for an extra cheesy finish. A few fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley can add wonderful color and a subtle herbal brightness that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm crusty breadsticks are also great for mopping up the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, a simple steamed vegetable medley or roasted asparagus can round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes for some texture and a bit of heat. You can also turn it into a pasta bake by transferring everything into a casserole dish, topping with extra Parmesan, and broiling until golden brown on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave using short intervals, stirring in a splash of milk or broth as needed to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, any pasta shape that holds sauce well will work beautifully, such as penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Is there a way to make the sauce dairy-free or vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, use a vegan Parmesan alternative, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. For the chicken, try tofu or a plant-based protein.
Can I add other vegetables besides broccoli?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to customize the dish to your taste and boost the veggie content.
What’s the best way to avoid clumps in the sauce?
Whisk the flour with the garlic quickly and continuously add the milk and broth slowly while whisking to create a smooth sauce without lumps. Medium heat also helps control thickening.
How can I make this meal lower in carbs?
Swap the pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a delicious low-carb version without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light, this Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe truly hits the spot. It’s simple to prepare, packed with delicious flavors, and nourishing too—a true crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a creamy pasta dish that’s both satisfying and guilt-free!
Print
Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a lighter take on the classic creamy pasta dish, featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a low-fat Alfredo sauce made with milk, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious, balanced meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2–3 minced garlic cloves
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional for added flavor)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam or boil the broccoli florets until they are tender yet still vibrant green. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously. Slowly add the low-fat milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, around 3-5 minutes.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until melted and smooth. Add a pinch of nutmeg if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and broccoli into the Alfredo sauce, then gently fold in the drained pasta. Toss everything thoroughly until well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among four plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
- Using low-fat milk keeps the sauce lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
- If preferred, you can steam the broccoli in the microwave by placing it in a bowl with a little water, covering it, and cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the sauce while cooking.
