Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo – A Low-Calorie, High-Protein Meal

Introduction

Craving a rich and creamy chicken Alfredo but want to keep it low-calorie and healthy? This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is the perfect low-calorie easy dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Made with a light Alfredo sauce, lean chicken breast, and fiber-rich broccoli, this dish is ideal for anyone looking for low-cholesterol meals, easy low-fat dinners, or meal prep low-calorie high-protein meals.

Unlike traditional Alfredo sauce, which is often high in butter and heavy cream, this low-cal Alfredo sauce is made with healthier ingredients while maintaining a rich, velvety texture. Whether you’re following a caloric deficit meal plan, searching for low-cholesterol food recipes for dinner, or just need a quick and nutritious meal, this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

• Low in Calories & Fat – A lighter Alfredo sauce makes this meal perfect for a calorie deficit dinner idea.
• High in Protein – Lean chicken breast provides muscle-building protein.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Stores well for meal prep low-calorie high-protein meals.
• Creamy Without Heavy Cream – Made with Greek yogurt and parmesan for a healthier twist.

Ingredients for Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to make this low-calorie meal recipe:

For the Chicken & Pasta:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
• 8 oz whole wheat or gluten-free fettuccine
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Low-Cal Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for thickening)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Red pepper flakes (for a bit of spice)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Skillet or pan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

How to Make Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions, adding the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Low-Cal Alfredo Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with ¼ cup almond milk until smooth.

In the same skillet over medium heat, add the remaining almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg. Stir well, then whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

Remove from heat and whisk in the Parmesan cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta & broccoli to the pan. Toss everything in the low-cal Alfredo sauce until evenly coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes over low heat to warm everything through.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Divide into bowls and top with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta – Adds fiber while keeping the dish lighter.
• Make It Extra Creamy – Add an extra tablespoon of Greek yogurt for a richer sauce.
• For a Dairy-Free Version – Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and dairy-free yogurt.
• Adjust the Thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk. If too thin, cook for an extra minute.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta – Al dente pasta absorbs the sauce better and prevents sogginess.
• Using Too Much Heat for the Sauce – Cook the sauce over low to medium heat to avoid curdling the Greek yogurt.
• Skipping the Cornstarch – This is key to achieving a creamy, thick Alfredo sauce without heavy cream.

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap the Protein – Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Make It Lower in Carbs – Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Add More Vegetables – Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

This easy low-fat dinner pairs well with:

• A side salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables for more fiber.
• Garlic whole-wheat bread for extra crunch.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Refrigeration:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the sauce.

Freezing:

Freeze for up to 2 months, but note that the texture may change slightly. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep low-calorie high-protein meals. Store in containers for grab-and-go meals.

2. Is this truly a low-calorie Alfredo sauce?

Yes! Traditional Alfredo uses heavy cream and butter, while this version relies on almond milk, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan for a lighter but still creamy texture.

3. Can I make this completely dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute dairy-free yogurt and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan.

4. What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Whole wheat pasta is a great option, but you can also use chickpea pasta or zucchini noodles for lower carbs.

Conclusion

This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a deliciously creamy, protein-packed, and low-calorie meal that’s perfect for caloric deficit meal plans, low-cholesterol dinners, and easy weeknight meals. With a healthy low-cal Alfredo sauce, lean chicken, and fiber-rich broccoli, it’s the ultimate comfort food without the guilt.

Try this low-calorie meal recipe today and enjoy a satisfying yet healthy easy low-fat dinner! If you love this recipe, share it with friends and family, and subscribe for more nutritious meal ideas! 😊

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