Easy Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
If you’re craving a rich and creamy pasta dish but want to keep things light and healthy, this Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked fettuccine, and a velvety low-fat Alfredo sauce that tastes indulgent without the guilty calories. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special treat, this recipe delivers comforting flavors with a nutritious twist that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light yet satisfying: Enjoy classic creamy Alfredo flavor without the heavy fats and calories.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights or last-minute meals.
- Family-friendly: A delicious dish that both kids and adults adore, making dinner time happy for all.
- Healthy ingredients: Uses lean chicken and low-fat dairy to keep the meal nutritious.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe to fit your dietary preferences with simple variations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe requires simple, wholesome ingredients that perfectly complement one another. Each element is chosen to balance flavor, richness, and texture while being mindful of fat content.
- Skinny chicken breast: Lean protein that stays juicy when cooked just right.
- Fettuccine pasta: Traditional pasta that holds the sauce beautifully; choose whole wheat for extra fiber.
- Low-fat milk: Provides creaminess without the extra fat found in heavy cream.
- Greek yogurt: Adds thickness to the sauce while boosting protein content.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of sharp flavor that enhances richness with minimal calories.
- Garlic and onion powder: Infuse the sauce with savory depth without added fat.
- Olive oil spray: Lightly coats the chicken for a golden sear without excess oil.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every bite.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
Variations for Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Mixing up this Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is a breeze. Whether you want to add veggies, try different proteins, or tweak it for dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to play with flavors.
- Vegetable boost: Toss in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrients and texture.
- Alternative proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey breast, or plant-based chicken substitutes.
- Dairy-free: Use unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free yogurt alternatives to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- Whole grain pasta: Opt for whole wheat or chickpea pasta to increase fiber and protein.
How to Make Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Lightly spray a non-stick skillet with olive oil and cook the seasoned chicken breasts over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. Then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
Boil the fettuccine in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, combine low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, and grated Parmesan cheese over low heat. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, being careful not to let it boil and separate.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Warm through for a minute, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
Step 5: Serve
Plate the Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your guilt-free comfort meal.
Pro Tips for Making Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Choose quality Greek yogurt: Use full-flavored Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture without tang overpowering.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Keep the chicken juicy by cooking it just until no longer pink inside.
- Stir sauce gently: Constant stirring prevents lumps and keeps the sauce silky smooth.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy water helps adjust sauce thickness naturally without added fat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and offers more flavor compared to pre-grated options.
How to Serve Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a refreshing herbal note and brightens the look. A light dusting of extra Parmesan can also enhance the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this meal with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus for a light and crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual shallow bowls for a cozy vibe or on a large platter family-style to encourage sharing and conversation. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can elevate the dish for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and ready for a quick meal.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze this dish, the texture of the sauce may change slightly. Freeze in portion-sized freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can swap in penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Is Greek yogurt necessary?
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein while keeping the sauce low-fat, but you can substitute with low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use unsweetened almond or oat milk along with dairy-free yogurt and Parmesan cheese substitutes to create a creamy, dairy-free version of this Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead and combine everything just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm the leftovers slowly on the stovetop with a small amount of milk or water, stirring often to prevent the sauce from breaking or drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic comfort food without overindulging. Its creamy texture, satisfying flavors, and light ingredients make it a staple for healthier dinners that don’t sacrifice taste. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your meal rotation!
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Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low-Fat
Description
A light and healthy take on classic Fettuccine Alfredo featuring tender lean chicken breast, whole wheat fettuccine, and a creamy low-fat sauce made with Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers comforting flavors with fewer calories and fat, perfect for family dinners or quick meals.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Olive oil spray
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (whole wheat preferred)
- Salt, for pasta water
Sauce
- 1 ½ cups low-fat milk
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-flavored)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Lightly spray a non-stick skillet with olive oil and season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency, then set pasta aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet over low heat, whisk together the low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Avoid boiling the sauce to prevent separation.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Warm through for an additional 1-2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Use full-flavored Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture without overpowering tang.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Constantly stir the sauce to prevent lumps and ensure smoothness.
- Reserve pasta water to naturally thin the sauce without adding extra fat.
- Choose freshly grated Parmesan for better melt and richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: skinny chicken alfredo, low-fat fettuccine alfredo, healthy chicken pasta, light alfredo sauce, quick chicken pasta