Let me tell you, there’s something magical about giving a classic dish a lighter twist! This skinny low fat chicken fettuccine alfredo is a game changer. It retains all the creamy, dreamy flavors we love from the traditional recipe but without the guilt. Who says you can’t enjoy a rich, comforting meal while keeping it healthy? I promise, this dish is packed with flavor and won’t weigh you down. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, making it perfect for those evenings when you crave something indulgent yet wholesome. Trust me, once you try this version, it might just become your new go-to for fettuccine alfredo!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious skinny low fat chicken fettuccine alfredo!
- 8 oz whole wheat fettuccine: This adds a nutty flavor and more fiber than regular pasta.
- 1 lb skinless chicken breast, diced: Make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 cup low-fat milk: This keeps the sauce creamy without all the added fat.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for a rich flavor that melts beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A healthy fat that adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: This will infuse your dish with that irresistible aroma!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key, so don’t skip this step!
- Fresh parsley for garnish: This adds a pop of color and freshness to your plate.
How to Prepare Skinny Low Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Ready to dive into this delightful dish? Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create your very own skinny low fat chicken fettuccine alfredo.
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in your 8 oz whole wheat fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. You want that perfect bite! Once it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a splash of that pasta water—it can help adjust the sauce later!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Now, let’s get the chicken sizzling! In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant. Then, toss in your 1 lb diced skinless chicken breast, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink in the center. You can cut a piece open to check; it should be juicy and cooked through!
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Time to make that creamy sauce! Pour in 1 cup low-fat milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends smoothly into the milk, creating that luscious sauce we crave. If it looks a bit thick, just add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat every strand with that creamy sauce. Cook for an additional minute, just to heat everything through. When serving, garnish with fresh parsley for that vibrant touch. Trust me, a sprinkle of green makes everything look and taste even better! Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite of your skinny low fat chicken fettuccine alfredo!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skinny low fat chicken fettuccine alfredo is everything you could want in a meal—quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious! Here’s why I think you’re going to love it:
- Quick prep and cook time—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Lightened up yet still creamy and satisfying.
- Great source of lean protein from the chicken.
- Whole wheat fettuccine adds fiber for a healthier twist.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests!
Tips for Success
To make sure your skinny low fat chicken fettuccine alfredo turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, use a non-stick skillet to minimize the oil needed and make cleanup a breeze. If you want an extra creamy texture, feel free to adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese—more cheese means more flavor! Also, don’t rush the simmering step; this is where the magic happens as the flavors meld together. And remember, fresh ingredients make a difference, so opt for fresh garlic and parsley whenever you can. Lastly, keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks; it should be juicy and tender, not dry!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a delicious meal without the guilt, this skinny low fat chicken fettuccine alfredo is a fantastic option! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredient brands, so they might vary slightly depending on what you use. But rest assured, you’re getting a nutritious, satisfying meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this skinny low fat chicken fettuccine alfredo? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use regular fettuccine instead of whole wheat?
Absolutely! While whole wheat adds more fiber, regular fettuccine will work just fine if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Sure thing! Simply swap out the whole wheat fettuccine for a gluten-free pasta of your choice. It’ll still be delicious!
What can I substitute for the low-fat milk?
You can use unsweetened almond milk or any other milk alternative if you prefer. Just make sure it’s unflavored so it doesn’t alter the taste too much.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you can replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Pair it with a non-dairy milk, and you’re good to go!
How do I store leftovers?
Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to keep the sauce creamy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover skinny low fat chicken fettuccine alfredo is super simple! Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it gently on the stovetop over low heat. This helps to keep the sauce creamy—just add a splash of water or extra low-fat milk to loosen it up if needed. Give it a good stir, and voilà! You’ll have a delicious meal ready to savor again!
For more healthy pasta recipes, check out this creamy garlic parmesan pasta or this creamy chicken pasta recipe. You can also learn about the health benefits of whole grains here.
Print
Skinny Low Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: 35-Minute Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A lighter version of the classic chicken fettuccine alfredo, this dish is low in fat but full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat fettuccine
- 1 lb skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is no longer pink.
- Pour in low-fat milk and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet to reduce the amount of oil needed.
- Adjust the cheese quantity for desired creaminess.
- For extra flavor, add Italian herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: skinny low fat chicken fettuccine alfredo
