Love rich, creamy Alfredo pasta but want a lighter, healthier version? This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is the perfect solution! Made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy yet light Alfredo sauce, this dish is packed with flavor without the guilt.
Using Greek yogurt and a touch of Parmesan, this healthier Alfredo sauce keeps the dish creamy while reducing calories and fat. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients for Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
the Chicken & Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
the Light Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
Garnishing (Optional):
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Medium saucepan for pasta
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add fettuccine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken strips with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Skinny Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Whisk in chicken broth, milk, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Stir in cornstarch and cook until slightly thickened (2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and whisk in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet.
- Toss well to coat everything in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
Expert Tips for the Best Skinny Chicken Alfredo
Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.
Greek yogurt adds creaminess while keeping the dish light—don’t skip it!
Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding Greek yogurt too soon – Stir it in off heat to keep the sauce smooth.
Overcooking the pasta – Keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
Skipping the cornstarch – It helps thicken the sauce without heavy cream.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat with a splash of milk.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing:
- Not recommended, as the sauce may separate.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian – Use mushrooms or chickpeas instead of chicken.
- Try different proteins – Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey.
- Use dairy-free alternatives – Replace Greek yogurt with cashew cream.
What to Serve with Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- Crispy garlic bread
- Caesar salad or arugula salad
- Roasted zucchini or bell peppers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is thicker, but you can use plain yogurt—just strain excess liquid.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just reheat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a lighter take on a classic comfort dish, offering all the creamy, cheesy goodness without the extra calories. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping, this dish is easy, flavorful, and family-approved!
Try it today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more healthy and delicious recipes!
Calories Per Serving
Approximate Calories: 420 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings).
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
PrintSkinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo – Creamy, Light & Delicious!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is creamy, cheesy, and lightened up with Greek yogurt! A quick and easy healthy pasta dish ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
For the Light Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add fettuccine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken strips with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Skinny Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Whisk in chicken broth, milk, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Stir in cornstarch and cook until slightly thickened (2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and whisk in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet.
- Toss well to coat everything in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
Notes
✔ Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.
✔ Greek yogurt adds creaminess while keeping the dish light—don’t skip it!
✔ Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420