CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI ALFREDO
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a rich and satisfying dish with a healthy twist. Made with whole wheat pasta, lean grilled chicken and tender broccoli, this dish delivers a creamy, flavourful experience without the excess fat of traditional Alfredo sauce. Instead of heavy cream, Greek yoghurt and parmesan cheese combine to create a light yet creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully. This dish is perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner or meal prep option. The protein from the chicken, fibre from the whole wheat pasta and vitamins from the broccoli make it a well-balanced meal. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome comfort food dish or a high-protein pasta meal, this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a fantastic choice. Pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for an even more satisfying meal.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Italian, American
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Boil, Sauté, Simmer
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Weeknight Dinner, Meal Prep, Family Gathering, Comfort Food
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, High Protein, Low Fat, Quick & Easy
DISH TYPE
Pasta, Creamy Dish
INGREDIENTS
The following are the ingredients we need to prepare the chicken and broccoli alfredo.
- 100g cooked chicken breast, sliced
- 50g broccoli florets
- 50g whole wheat pasta, cooked
- 1 tbsp Greek yoghurt
- 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fibre: 5g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat:5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Sugar: 3g
PREPARATION
Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the chicken and broccoli alfredo.
- Prepare The Pasta: Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Steam The Broccoli: In a small pot, steam or boil the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté The Garlic: In a non-stick pan over medium heat, add a small amount of olive oil (if desired). Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine The Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken slices and broccoli to the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes to warm them up.
- Make The Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yoghurt and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add The Pasta: Toss in the cooked pasta and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Season And Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
15 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for you when making this chicken and broccoli alfredo.
- Use Fresh Or Frozen Broccoli: Both work well, but fresh broccoli has a better texture.
- Don’t Overheat The Yoghurt: Greek yoghurt can curdle if cooked on high heat. Keep the temperature low when adding it to the sauce.
- Save Some Pasta Water: Adding a spoonful of pasta water can help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use A High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a richer taste.
- Make It Extra Creamy: For an even creamier texture, mix in a teaspoon of low-fat cream cheese.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Alfredo: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta instead of whole wheat.
- Lemon Garlic Alfredo: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for a zesty twist.
- Protein Boost: Stir in grilled shrimp or an extra portion of chicken for more protein.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as Greek yoghurt may separate when thawed.
- Meal Prep Tip: Cook the pasta and chicken in advance, then mix everything before serving for a fresher taste.
