Chicken Alfredo Pasta – Creamy Comfort Made Lighter

This Chicken Alfredo Pasta is everything you love about the classic dish—tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—made with a lightened-up twist. It’s rich and indulgent without being heavy, so you can enjoy comfort food any night of the week.

Perfect for a family dinner, a date-night meal at home, or even a meal-prep option, this recipe delivers all the flavor of traditional Alfredo with a more balanced, wholesome touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Satisfying: A lighter Alfredo that still tastes indulgent.
Family-Friendly: Classic flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
Balanced: Lean protein, pasta, and a better-for-you sauce.

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole wheat or high-protein pasta (fettuccine or penne)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup reduced-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp light cream cheese
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Add cream cheese and Parmesan, whisking until melted and smooth.

4. Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

5. Combine & Serve
Return chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 365
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 11g
Protein: 32g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Adds fiber and makes the dish more filling.
Don’t Skip the Slurry: It helps thicken the sauce without heavy cream.
Make It Veggie-Friendly: Add broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Meal Prep Idea: Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days—reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Why This Recipe Works

By swapping heavy cream and butter for lighter ingredients, you keep all the indulgence of classic Chicken Alfredo while making it weeknight-friendly. Creamy, hearty, and packed with protein, this recipe proves comfort food can be both delicious and balanced.