Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo delivers all the creamy, comforting flavors of a classic Alfredo pasta dish with a healthy and light twist. This recipe uses lean chicken breast, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, and a sauce base of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt to keep it delicious yet guilt-free, perfect for wholesome weeknight dinners or healthy meal plans.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat, Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta used), High Protein
Protein
- 1 lb skinny chicken breast, cut into pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz whole wheat or gluten-free fettuccine
Dairy & Liquid
- 1 cup low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasonings & Oils
- 1–2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Olive oil spray or 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes & Add-ins
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for veggie boost
- Crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for spice
- Cook the pasta: Boil fettuccine according to package instructions until just al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Prepare the chicken: While pasta cooks, lightly spray a non-stick skillet with olive oil. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook chicken over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic briefly until fragrant. Add chicken broth and low-fat milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese carefully to prevent curdling, creating a creamy, velvety sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked fettuccine into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches a creamy texture. Return the chicken to the pan and mix well so all pieces and pasta are evenly coated.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness. Optionally add freshly cracked black pepper or extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use room temperature dairy ingredients to prevent the sauce from separating when heated.
- Stir sauce continuously to keep it smooth and avoid sticking or burning.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and add silkiness with starch.
- Do not overcook chicken; cook until just done and no longer pink to keep it juicy.
- Cook sauce on low to moderate heat to preserve the creaminess of yogurt and avoid curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: low-fat chicken Alfredo, healthy pasta recipe, creamy chicken fettuccine, light Alfredo sauce, gluten-free pasta dinner, chicken dinner ideas, Greek yogurt sauce