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Imagine twirling a forkful of rich, creamy Alfredo pasta without feeling guilty afterward. That’s the magic of Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo—all the comforting flavors you love, with a fraction of the calories. If you’ve been avoiding Alfredo sauce because of its heavy cream and butter content, you’re in for a treat!
This recipe swaps out high-fat ingredients for lighter alternatives while keeping the dish flavorful, creamy, and satisfying. Whether you’re watching your calorie intake or just looking for a healthier option, this is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings.
Why Choose a Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo?
1. A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Alfredo
Traditional Alfredo sauce is loaded with butter, heavy cream, and cheese, making it a calorie-dense dish. A single serving can exceed 1,200 calories! This low calorie version uses ingredients like low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, and reduced-fat Parmesan to create a creamy sauce with half the calories.
2. High in Protein and Nutrients
Chicken provides lean protein, while Greek yogurt adds probiotics and extra protein. Pairing it with whole wheat pasta or veggie noodles can boost fiber and keep you fuller for longer.
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3. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
This recipe uses pantry staples, so you don’t have to hunt for specialty ingredients. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
Ingredients for Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo
Here’s everything you need to make a healthier version of this classic dish:
- Pasta: 8 oz whole wheat fettuccine or zucchini noodles
- Chicken Breasts: 2 medium, boneless and skinless
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Low-Fat Milk: 1 cup (1% or skim)
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup (low sodium)
- Greek Yogurt: ½ cup (plain, non-fat)
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated (reduced fat if possible)
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (for thickening)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): ¼ teaspoon for heat
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Light Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk cornstarch into the chicken broth and pour into the skillet.
- Add low-fat milk and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
- Stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
- Toss in the drained pasta and mix well.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and let it simmer for another minute.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a comparison of the traditional and low calorie versions of Chicken Alfredo per serving:
Nutrient | Traditional Alfredo | Low Calorie Alfredo |
---|---|---|
Calories | 1,200 kcal | 480 kcal |
Fat | 75g | 12g |
Carbs | 80g | 50g |
Protein | 30g | 38g |
Sodium | 1,200mg | 600mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredient brands.
Best Side Dishes for Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo
1. Low-Carb Options
- Steamed Zucchini Noodles – A great alternative to pasta
- Spaghetti Squash – A low-calorie, high-fiber substitute
- Cauliflower Rice – Pairs well with the creamy sauce
2. Vegetable Side Dishes
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli – Adds a crunchy texture
- Sautéed Spinach with Lemon – Light and refreshing
- Grilled Asparagus – A nutritious and flavorful pairing
3. Light Bread Options
- Whole Wheat Garlic Bread – Adds fiber without extra calories
- Ezekiel Toast with Olive Oil – A nutritious and hearty choice
Tips for the Best Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo
1. Use Greek Yogurt for a Creamy Texture
Greek yogurt gives the sauce a velvety texture while adding protein. Make sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt.
2. Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute.
3. Make It Spicy for Extra Flavor
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
4. Try Different Protein Options
Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different twist.
FAQs About Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo
1. Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Use unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
2. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
3. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! Try whole wheat, chickpea, or zucchini noodles for variety.
4. What’s the Best Way to Reduce Calories Even Further?
Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta and skip the Parmesan to lower calories even more.
5. Can I Meal Prep This Dish?
Yes! Cook everything ahead and store the sauce separately for the best texture when reheating.
6. Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta or vegetable noodles.
Conclusion: Try This Guilt-Free Alfredo Tonight!
Now that you have the perfect Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo recipe, there’s no need to miss out on creamy, comforting pasta. This version delivers all the flavor with less than half the calories, making it an ideal dish for anyone watching their diet.
So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try tonight and enjoy a healthy, delicious meal that satisfies your cravings without the guilt!
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Healthy Low-Calorie Chicken Alfredo – Creamy & Delicious!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy a guilt-free version of your favorite Alfredo pasta! This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, all while being lighter than traditional Alfredo. Made with simple ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8–10 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ onion, finely minced
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole, low-fat, or fat-free)
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In the last minute of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Remove from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice or dice.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced onion until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, whisking until smooth.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cream cheese and Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Stir in the sliced chicken and mix well.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.
Notes
-
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
- For extra creaminess, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and stir it into the sauce if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Customize with protein – swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired