Lightened Up One Pot Chicken Alfredo
This Lightened Up One Pot Chicken Alfredo is a delicious and creamy dish that is easy to prepare, featuring chicken, pasta, and a light sauce.
Equipment
- large stock pot
- Deep skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts (454 g)
- Salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp light butter (28 g)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (5 g)
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth (946 ml)
- 1 lb Barilla Plus pasta or whole wheat pasta (454 g)
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk or skim milk (355 ml)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch (16 g)
- ¾ cup fresh grated Parmesan (75 g)
- fresh parsley optional garnish
- bacon crumbles optional garnish
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large pot, melt the light butter over medium heat until it is bubbly. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side until it is golden brown and no longer pink inside. Keep an eye on it to avoid dryness.
- Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until you smell that aromatic goodness. Then pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a bit before moving on.
- Add the pasta right into that broth. Give it a good stir to coat every piece. The pasta should start to soften and absorb the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, whisk together the almond or skim milk with the cornstarch in a bowl until smooth. This gives your sauce a creamy texture without extra calories.
- Once the pasta is al dente and has soaked up a lot of the broth, stir in the milk mixture. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens nicely.
- Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the fresh grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture. Stir until melted for a creamy sauce. Taste before adding more salt, as the cheese adds flavor too.
- Dish up the Lightened Up Alfredo and sprinkle with fresh parsley and crispy bacon crumbles, if desired. Serve hot for the best experience.
Notes
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight storage container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Not recommended for freezing due to dairy content.
Expert Tips: If the sauce thickens after cooling, add a splash of warm almond or skim milk when reheating to regain a smooth consistency. Monitor the cooking time closely and check for al dente texture to avoid overcooked pasta. If chicken appears pink after cooking, stir while combining with the sauce to ensure it cooks through completely. Serve the dish immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened, and cook until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad and pair with garlic bread. Top with fresh basil for added flavor.
Recipe Variations: Add steamed broccoli for extra veggies. Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar. Incorporate spices like Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Ingredient Notes: Select fresh chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. If needed, you can substitute the pasta type; avoid Carba-Nada Fettuccine as it may become too soggy. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead.