Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a comforting and healthy pasta dish that combines tender lean chicken breast with a creamy, lightened-up Alfredo sauce made from low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. This recipe offers all the indulgent flavors of classic Alfredo with fewer calories and fat, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want a guilt-free treat.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low-Fat, Gluten Free option
Chicken
- 2 skinny chicken breasts (lean and tender)
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
Sauce
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking
- Olive oil spray (for cooking chicken)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water to help loosen the sauce later.
- Cook the Chicken: Lightly spray a nonstick skillet with olive oil and season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until fully cooked and golden on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and slice into strips.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk together low-fat milk and flour (or cornstarch) in a bowl, then pour into the pan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Add the Greek Yogurt and Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in Greek yogurt and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. This combination creates a luscious, low-fat Alfredo sauce base.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Toss the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken into the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that affect melting and taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds the sauce better and prevents mushiness.
- Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust the flour or starch quantity to get a perfect creamy but light sauce.
- Keep the Yogurt Cool: Add Greek yogurt off the heat to avoid curdling.
- Season Liberally: A little extra salt and nutmeg go a long way in enhancing flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: low-fat Alfredo, chicken pasta, healthy fettuccine Alfredo, light chicken Alfredo, creamy low-fat pasta