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Skinny chicken broccoli Alfredo in large skillet showing creamy sauce coating pasta and vegetables

Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Chicken and broccoli in a light, creamy Alfredo sauce with just 496 calories per serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 496

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta any shape
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 medium chicken breasts pounded flat or cut in half
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for chicken
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt for chicken seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp pepper for chicken seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for sauce
  • 0.5 medium onion minced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock or water
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 0.5 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large pan or skillet
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta al dente in generously salted water according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets to the pasta during the last minute of cooking. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large pan on medium heat. Add the olive oil to pan. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove from pan, cool for 5 minutes then slice or dice.
  3. To the same pan (do not rinse), add 1 tablespoon olive oil and minced onion. Cook onion down for 3-5 minutes then add in the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until garlic begins to turn golden.
  4. Whisk in the flour until lightly toasted, about 30 seconds then gradually whisk in chicken stock and milk, whisking constantly, until incorporated.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and whisk in the cream cheese and parmesan until lump free. Season generously with salt and pepper as desired.
  6. Add cooked drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Top with cooked chicken breasts. Toss to combine or serve chicken on top. Top with more parmesan cheese or parsley, if desired.

Notes

Salt the pasta water with about 1 tablespoon of salt for seasoning. Reserve about half a cup of pasta cooking water to loosen sauce if needed. You can use whole milk, low-fat, or fat-free milk. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.