Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo Recipe

This Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo is destined to become your new go-to comfort food, especially when you want all the creamy richness of a classic Alfredo without the heaviness and extra calories. Tender pieces of seasoned chicken, pasta twirled with vibrant broccoli, and a luscious sauce that tastes downright indulgent but is surprisingly light—this meal brings pure joy to the table while fitting in with your health goals. Easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress friends, this recipe will satisfy both your Alfredo cravings and your desire to eat lighter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo, the magic is in the simple, fresh ingredients that each play their own special part. These ingredients don’t just bring flavor; they create a perfect texture, vibrant color, and that signature creamy finish we all love.

• Pasta: Choose any pasta shape you love—penne, fettuccine, or shells! Cooking it al dente keeps the dish hearty but not heavy.
• Broccoli florets: Added in the last minute of cooking, broccoli adds freshness, a pop of color, and sneaks in those extra veggies effortlessly.
• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for lean protein; pounding or slicing them ensures quick, even cooking.
• Olive oil: Both for pan-searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics; olive oil brings flavor without unnecessary fat.
• Garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper: This spice mix packs every bite with warmth, depth, and a little vibrancy.
• Onion (minced): Builds a flavorful base for the sauce, melting into the background for a subtle sweetness.
• Garlic (minced): Plenty of garlic is a must—its unmistakable aroma and flavor sets the stage for a classic Alfredo experience.
• All-purpose flour: Acts as a gentle thickener so the sauce gets that silky, cling-to-your-fork texture.
• Chicken stock (or water): Keeps the sauce light but flavorful, balancing creaminess with savory depth.
• Whole milk: Use whole milk for creaminess without the richness (and calories) of heavy cream.
• Cream cheese: Just a touch makes the sauce luxurious—super creamy and just tangy enough.
• Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch! It melts beautifully, adding salty, nutty notes that make Alfredo irresistible.

How to Make Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the pasta and broccoli

Start by boiling a large pot of generously salted water. Cook your chosen pasta shape just until al dente, following the package directions for timing. During the last minute, toss in the broccoli florets—this keeps them crisp-tender and vibrant green. Once both are done, drain and set aside. You’ll love how this method saves time and lets the broccoli soak up a little of that savory pasta flavor.

Step 2: Prepare and cook the chicken

While the pasta is cooking, grab your chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil into a large pan over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate, and after a brief 5-minute rest, slice or dice it. This step ensures juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

Step 3: Make the aromatic base

Don’t wash that pan—those tasty brown bits left behind are flavor gold! Add another tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in your minced onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and let everything cook together for another 30 seconds; you’ll be hit with that unmistakable aroma that promises something delicious is on the way.

Step 4: Build the creamy Alfredo sauce

Sprinkle the flour into the pan, whisking constantly for about 30 seconds until it’s lightly toasted. Gradually pour in the chicken stock (or water) and whole milk, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cream cheese and freshly-grated Parmesan until the sauce is silky smooth and lump-free. Taste, then season with more salt and pepper if you like—this is where the sauce transforms into the creamy, dreamy base you’ve been waiting for.

Step 5: Bring it all together

Gently fold the cooked pasta and broccoli right into the sauce, making sure every piece is coated. Top with your sliced or diced chicken. Toss to combine if you want the chicken mingling throughout, or arrange it artistically on top for extra visual flair. A final sprinkle of Parmesan or a little chopped parsley, and your Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo

Garnishes

A little goes a long way when it comes to garnish. Try a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese, freshly-cracked black pepper, and a shower of chopped fresh parsley. The brightness of the parsley and the nutty hit of the cheese really elevate each bite, making your homemade Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish holds its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a handful of roasted cherry tomatoes on the side brings a pop of freshness and color to the plate. If you love bread, serve it alongside a slice of rustic whole grain or sourdough for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a weeknight family dinner, pile the pasta into a big bowl and let everyone help themselves. If you’re feeling a little fancy, twirl individual servings onto plates and top with slices of chicken, a generous spoonful of sauce, and a sprinkle of parsley. Add lemon zest for a fresh twist or serve in shallow bowls for cozy vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing so that condensation doesn’t make it soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you’ll find the flavors have melded beautifully.

Freezing

While this dish can be frozen, keep in mind that creamy sauces sometimes separate a bit after thawing. For best results, transfer the cooled pasta and chicken to a freezer-safe container and use within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—adding a splash of milk or stock can help restore some creaminess.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of milk if the sauce looks a little thick. Microwave reheating also works—cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring often to keep everything creamy and evenly heated. Avoid overheating, which can make the sauce lose its silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta for Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo?

Absolutely! Classic linguine or fettuccine is fabulous, but penne, rigatoni, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta will work beautifully. Just cook until al dente so it holds up in the sauce.

Is it okay to replace whole milk with a lighter milk or plant-based option?

You can swap in low-fat or even skim milk, though the sauce will be less creamy. For a dairy-free twist, unsweetened almond or oat milk can work, but make sure to check for added sugars and choose plain varieties for best flavor.

What’s the secret to getting the sauce extra creamy without adding more fat?

The combination of a little cream cheese and whisking the sauce until smooth gives you wonderful creaminess with fewer calories. Using freshly-grated Parmesan also helps the sauce melt together seamlessly.

How can I make this Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and try adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or even extra broccoli. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.

What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?

If you need to skip the cream cheese, simply add a splash more milk and an extra tablespoon of Parmesan. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be tasty and comforting!

Final Thoughts

This Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor, comfort, or that luscious creamy texture just to keep things light. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and you’ll see how easy it is to bring together everything you love about Alfredo—only lighter and brighter. I can’t wait for you to taste the magic of this dish!

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