Healthy Chicken Alfredo

 

Healthy Chicken Alfredo

adapted from Tasty.co

This lightened-up version of chicken alfredo makes a quick, satisfying dinner. It’s also a great way to add another serving of vegetables!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Entree, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4

Calories 370 kcal

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.

Cooking & Serving Tips:

• 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.