Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Enjoy a guilt-free, creamy, and delicious Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo that’s perfect for healthy meals. This lighter take on the classic Italian dish combines tender chicken, smooth low-fat Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine for a wholesome, satisfying dinner without heavy calories or fat.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low-Fat, Healthy, Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta option)
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta (whole wheat, regular, or gluten-free based on preference)
Sauce
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 4 ounces low-fat cream cheese or 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley or basil
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and slice thinly.
- Make the Light Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in low-fat milk and low-fat cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) and whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Add freshly grated Parmesan and continue stirring until melted and creamy.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it by gradually adding the reserved pasta water. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the pasta for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your guilt-free indulgence!
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients like fresh garlic, Parmesan, and herbs to improve flavor without extra calories.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water to achieve a silky texture without added fat.
- Greek yogurt adds creaminess plus protein, while cream cheese thickens sauce without heaviness.
- Cook pasta al dente for the best texture and to hold up well in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: skinny chicken fettuccine, low-fat Alfredo, healthy chicken pasta, light Alfredo sauce, low-calorie chicken recipe, gluten free chicken pasta