Lighter Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a healthier take on the classic comfort food, offering all the creamy richness of traditional Alfredo sauce with a fraction of the calories. This version uses a blend of low-fat milk and chicken broth to create a velvety sauce that’s still indulgently creamy, but without the heavy cream and butter. Tender slices of grilled or sautéed chicken breast are tossed with fettuccine and this lightened-up Alfredo sauce, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal that doesn’t weigh you down, Lighter Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a delicious way to enjoy your favorite flavors while keeping it light.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Fettuccine:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and low-fat milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Cheese:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg (if using), and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Lighter Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy, comforting dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With its rich sauce and tender chicken, this lighter version allows you to indulge in a classic favorite while keeping things a bit healthier.
