If you’re craving a creamy, comforting pasta dish but want to keep things light and wholesome, this Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It takes all the rich flavors and satisfying textures of traditional Alfredo and cleverly swaps out heavy creams for protein-packed Greek yogurt and low-fat milk, making every bite feel indulgent yet guilt-free. Plus, tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli come together in one pot to deliver a beautiful balance of flavors and nutrients that will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component plays its part, from the wholesome pasta that brings heartiness to the plate, to the Greek yogurt that adds creaminess without the calories, making this Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe truly special.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Provides lean protein and satisfies hunger without heaviness.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Adds color, crunch, and essential vitamins to brighten the dish.
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta: Offers fiber-rich substance and a slightly nutty flavor to complement the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the chicken and garlic, lending subtle richness.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the sauce with aromatic depth.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Low-sodium broth enhances flavor and helps create the sauce base.
- 1 cup milk: Low-fat or skim, it lightens the creamy texture without compromising smoothness.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: The star ingredient that brings creaminess and a gentle tang while keeping calories low.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that layers in herbs like oregano and basil for authentic flair.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, giving the dish a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package’s recommended time to get it perfectly al dente. In the last three minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets so they steam gently alongside the pasta, retaining their bright green color and satisfying crunch. Once done, drain everything well and set aside—this simple step creates the perfect base for your sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
If your chicken isn’t pre-cooked, no worries. Season the chicken breast lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook it until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is cooked through, which takes about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest—you’ll want it juicy and tender to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet (no need to clean it out—the flavorful bits left behind add extra depth), add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just a couple of minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This step unlocks the full deliciousness of the garlic without letting it burn or turn bitter.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it up to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the milk and the Greek yogurt, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the back of a spoon. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt seamlessly into the mixture. Season your sauce with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning to create layers of flavor that remind you of a classic Alfredo—but healthier.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Slice or shred your cooked chicken breast, then add it back to the skillet along with the pasta and broccoli. Toss all the ingredients gently but thoroughly in the sauce, making sure every strand of pasta and floret is coated in that irresistible creamy goodness. This is where those simple ingredients turn into a comfort-food masterpiece.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley for a burst of color and a touch of freshness. If you love extra cheese, adding a little more Parmesan on top is always a welcome touch. Serve immediately while warm—you’ll want to dig in fast!
How to Serve Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is not just a pretty touch but also lightens the palate with its mild herbaceous flavor. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese enhances the savory notes, while a dash of freshly cracked black pepper adds a little kick that contrasts sweetly with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
To keep the meal balanced, consider pairing this dish with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or whole-grain rolls can also make lovely accompaniments, perfect for mopping up any leftover Alfredo sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe in individual mini casserole dishes topped with a light sprinkle of mozzarella and a quick broil to turn it golden and bubbly. Alternatively, layering it as a pasta bake or stuffing it inside hollowed-out peppers can create impressive, crowd-pleasing presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe reheats beautifully, so storing leftovers is straightforward. Transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for weekday lunches or quick dinners the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Just keep in mind that the texture of the broccoli may change slightly upon thawing, so it might be best reserved for reheating in casseroles or bakes rather than fresh pasta dishes.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much. Microwave reheating also works well—cover the dish to retain moisture and stir occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine and makes this recipe even more convenient. Just add it to the pasta water in the last few minutes of cooking as instructed for perfect texture.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt provides creaminess with fewer calories and more protein, which makes your Alfredo sauce healthier without sacrificing the luscious texture you love.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Whole wheat fettuccine is traditional and wholesome, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer—penne, linguine, or even gluten-free options all work great.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and Greek yogurt with unsweetened non-dairy alternatives, and replace Parmesan cheese with a vegan hard cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking veggies like spinach, peas, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of saucing to boost nutrition and add more texture variety.
Final Thoughts
This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe is proof you can have your creamy, cheesy pasta without the heavy guilt. It’s bright, flavorful, and comforting all at once, perfect for those nights when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for family dinners or cozy nights in. Give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthy and delicious Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe featuring whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast, and fresh broccoli florets in a creamy Greek yogurt-based Alfredo sauce. This lighter version of the classic comfort dish is low in fat and calories, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast – shredded or cubed
- 3 cups broccoli florets – fresh or frozen
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta – fettuccine or your favorite pasta
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for cooking
- 4 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 cup chicken broth – low-sodium
- 1 cup milk – low-fat or skim
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt – for creaminess
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for flavor
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – for added flavor
Garnish
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: If not already cooked, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the milk, Greek yogurt, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and the pasta with broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use low-fat milk and Greek yogurt to keep the sauce light and creamy without heavy cream.
- Fresh or frozen broccoli florets both work well; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
