Healthy Chicken Alfredo

Healthy Chicken Alfredo
This lightened-up version of chicken alfredo makes a quick, satisfying dinner. It’s also a great way to add another serving of vegetables!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large bone-less, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup skim milk
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 4 cups whole grain penne pasta
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Peel and finely chop garlic. Chop chicken into bite-size cubes.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet and add chicken. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper and cook 5-8 minutes, or until no longer pink.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the garlic and sauté for one minute over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and slowly add in the chicken stock. Stir constantly with a whisk to avoid lumps.
- Add in the skim milk and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, stir, and allow to reach a simmer to thicken sauce.
- Once the sauce is thickened, add in the spinach and stir until wilted.
- Remove from heat and add in the cooked penne, chicken and Parmesan cheese. Stir to coat.
Notes
Smart Shopping Tips
- Chicken breasts can be purchased fresh or frozen. If you find a good price on fresh chicken breasts or tenders, freeze them yourself in recipe-ready portions.
- To freeze, use freezer storage bags and squeeze out as much air as possible. Be sure to label and date the package and use within 9 months for best quality. Place in the refrigerator to thaw the night before you want to cook it.
- Use any kind of whole wheat pasta. Whole wheat pasta has more fiber and nutrients than regular pasta.
- Chopped, cooked rotisserie chicken will save even more time.
- Chopped fresh broccoli can also be used. Add it to the boiling pasta water in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Stretch servings by adding more cooked vegetables, such as mushrooms.