Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe: Guilt-Free Goodness

Twirling a fork into a creamy skinny low-fat chicken fettuccine Alfredo that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

Guilt-free indulgence becomes reality with this smart culinary creation.

Pasta lovers rejoice as health meets deliciousness in one remarkable dish.

Lean protein and silky sauce combine to craft a meal that feels decadent yet nourishing.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore how each bite delivers rich taste without heavy calories.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe proves you can enjoy classic Italian cuisine while maintaining wellness goals.

Let’s transform dinner into a celebration of smart, delectable eating.

Why Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Feels Light Yet Rich

  • Slim Down Comfort: Indulge in a guilt-free version of classic fettuccine alfredo that packs all the creamy, satisfying flavor without the heavy calories.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something spectacular but have limited time.
  • Protein-Packed Goodness: Tender chicken breast and protein-rich Greek yogurt transform this traditional pasta dish into a nutritious powerhouse that keeps you full and energized.
  • Flavor Explosion: Clever seasoning techniques like using garlic powder, Italian herbs, and a touch of nutmeg create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen, making every bite absolutely delectable.

Ingredients For Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying main component. Choose boneless, skinless for a healthier option.
  • Greek Yogurt: Creamy protein that adds tanginess and helps create a lighter sauce. Opt for plain, low-fat variety.
Pasta Component:
  • Fettuccine: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully. Select whole wheat for added nutrition.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Chicken Broth, Low-Fat Milk: Combine to create a rich, creamy sauce base with reduced calories. Select low-sodium broth for better health control.
  • Butter, Flour: Create a smooth roux for sauce thickening. Use unsalted butter for better sodium management.
  • Garlic, Garlic Powder: Provides deep, aromatic flavor profile. Fresh garlic offers more intense taste.
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance overall dish flavor. Use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.
  • Olive Oil: Helps with chicken cooking and adds healthy fat. Choose extra virgin for best quality.
  • Nutmeg: Optional spice that adds warmth and depth to the sauce. Ground fresh provides most potent flavor.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and bright color. Adds light, fresh finish to the dish.

Steps To Make Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

  • Cook the Chicken Just Right

Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully done. Transfer to a cutting board, let it rest briefly, then slice into thin, tender strips.

  • Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente—soft with a little bite. Drain and set aside.

  • Make the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the butter, then whisk to form a smooth base.

Slowly pour in low-fat milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Once smooth and thick, remove from heat and blend in Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

  • Bring It All Together

Toss the cooked fettuccine in the rich, creamy sauce. Add the sliced chicken and gently mix until everything is coated. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a bit more Parmesan if you’d like. Serve hot and enjoy each luxurious, comforting bite.

Tips To Keep Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Creamy

  • Boost Protein Power: Add Greek yogurt to create a creamy, protein-rich sauce that cuts calories while maintaining a luxurious texture.
  • Customize Flavor Kick: Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano to elevate the chicken's seasoning and add depth to the dish.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a safe option for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Smart Substitution Hack: Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk and Greek yogurt to dramatically reduce fat content without sacrificing taste.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra chicken and sauce separately to store in the refrigerator, allowing quick assembly of meals throughout the week.

How To Store Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken fettuccine alfredo into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Microwave Method: Place serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pro Tip: Avoid freezing this dish, as the dairy-based sauce may separate and lose its smooth consistency when thawed.

Pairing Suggestions For Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Pair this light Alfredo with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the chicken's delicate flavors.
  • Balance with Fresh Green Salad: Create a zesty side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast to the rich pasta dish.
  • Elevate with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus seasoned with herbs to add nutrition and textural variety alongside the creamy fettuccine.
  • Refresh with Sparkling Water: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water with lemon or lime to cleanse the palate and provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy sauce.

Flavor Variations Of Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

  • Herb-Infused Chicken Fettuccine: Elevate the recipe by adding fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil to the chicken seasoning. Chop herbs finely and mix into the spice blend for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwestern Chicken Alfredo: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Incorporate roasted red peppers and jalapeños into the sauce for a zesty kick that transforms the classic dish.
  • Mushroom Lovers' Protein Boost: Sauté cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the garlic before making the sauce. Slice the mushrooms thinly and caramelize them to add depth and earthy richness to the fettuccine.
  • Vegetable-Packed Lighter Version: Mix in roasted zucchini, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes directly into the pasta. These colorful vegetables add nutrition, texture, and vibrant flavors while keeping the dish low-fat and nutritious.

FAQs On Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

This version uses low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, and less butter compared to traditional alfredo recipes, significantly reducing calories and fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.

  • Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different protein option that works perfectly with the creamy alfredo sauce.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 23 days. Just reheat gently to prevent sauce separation and maintain the creamy texture.

  • How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free fettuccine pasta. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.

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Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy low-fat chicken fettuccine alfredo delivers restaurant-quality comfort without guilt. Lean protein and smart ingredient swaps make this classic Italian dish deliciously lighter for health-conscious home cooks.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Thickeners:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) whole wheat or regular fettuccine
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups low-fat (2%) or skim milk
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the poultry by generously coating chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring each piece is evenly covered with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium temperature and carefully place seasoned chicken, cooking for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side until a golden-brown exterior develops and internal temperature reaches safe doneness.
  3. Transfer chicken to a cutting board, allowing it to rest briefly before slicing into delicate, uniform strips that will integrate seamlessly with the pasta.
  4. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add fettuccine, cooking until it reaches perfect al dente texture according to package guidelines.
  5. Drain pasta thoroughly, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid to potentially adjust sauce consistency later.
  6. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic, releasing its fragrant essence for approximately 30 seconds.
  7. Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce without forming lumps.
  8. Gradually introduce low-fat milk and chicken broth, maintaining constant stirring to ensure a silky, lump-free consistency.
  9. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, thickening naturally over 2-3 minutes while stirring periodically.
  10. Remove skillet from heat and incorporate Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg if desired.
  11. Fold Greek yogurt into the sauce, creating a creamy, luxurious texture that maintains a lighter profile.
  12. Combine cooked fettuccine with the alfredo sauce, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated.
  13. Gently fold sliced chicken into the pasta, distributing protein evenly throughout the dish.
  14. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
  15. Serve immediately, presenting a healthier rendition of the classic comfort dish.

Notes

  • Choose skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that reduces overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
  • Replace traditional heavy cream with low-fat milk and Greek yogurt to dramatically cut calories while maintaining a creamy texture.
  • Experiment with whole wheat fettuccine for added fiber and a nutty undertone that complements the light Alfredo sauce.
  • Consider using fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of parsley to add unexpected depth and brightness to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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