Description
This Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo offers a delicious twist on the classic creamy pasta dish by using low-fat milk and a lighter sauce. Perfectly grilled chicken breast and al dente fettuccine are tossed in a flavorful homemade Alfredo sauce with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a hint of seasoning, resulting in a satisfying yet healthier meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup 1% or 2% milk
- ¾ cup high-quality Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved
- ¼ to ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Pasta
- 8 to 9 oz fettuccine noodles
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides evenly with garlic salt and black pepper to prepare for cooking.
- Grill or Pan-Sear Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts for about 6–7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked through.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice into strips for serving.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Create Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously to form a roux and cook it for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth followed by the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Dish: Toss the cooked fettuccine noodles with the Alfredo sauce, ensuring even coating.
- Serve: Plate the sauced noodles and top with the sliced grilled chicken. Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper for added flavor before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use 1% or 2% milk to keep the sauce lighter and reduce fat content compared to traditional heavy cream.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Be sure to cook the roux long enough to avoid any raw flour taste but not so long that it browns significantly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste at the end, as Parmesan cheese adds natural saltiness.
- For an even lower-fat option, consider using fat-free milk but expect slight differences in creaminess.
