On The Table

A collection of knowledge-based articles to inspire overall wellness.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Veggies

With Italian flavors and nutrients bursting, do not miss out on this chicken alfredo with broccoli recipe (with a unique vegan option and time-saving tips)!

Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Veggies

Ribboned fettuccine noodles tossed with a creamy alfredo sauce and steamed broccoli steamed for one divine pasta dish.

While this may sound like an Italian dish straight from an authentic dining menu, this chicken alfredo with broccoli recipe is cooked and served right in the comfort of home!

Like most traditional alfredo recipes, our version bursts with flavor while being delicately creamy.

And unlike most, ours is loaded with nutrients such as fiber from whole wheat noodles and veggies. The sauce is also prepared with Greek yogurt for a pack of protein.

Ready to enjoy the best of both worlds with delicious and nutritious fettuccine noodles, chicken, and broccoli? Let's jump into the recipe!

Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe

Yield: 6 servings

Nutrition per serving: 330 calories, 10 g fat, 30 g protein, 33 g total carb, 5 g fiber

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces whole wheat fettuccine noodles
• 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp butter, unsalted
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk
• 3/4 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 tsp oregano, dried
• 1/2 tsp basil, dried
• 1/2 tsp parsley, dried
• 2 cups broccoli, steamed

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and set aside once cooked.

2. As the pasta noodles are cooking, lightly season each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add olive oil once hot. Add the chicken breast to the skillet and cook until brown on each side, about 3 to 5 minutes, until each reaches an internal temp of 160°F. Remove from pan, cool for 5 minutes, cut into 1-inch strips, then set aside.

3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in garlic powder. Whisk in milk, remove from heat, allow to cool for about 3 minutes. Gradually add the Greek yogurt, whisking to combine, then gently stir in parmesan cheese until melted. Mix in the oregano, basil, and parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add broccoli (or other preferred veggies), noodles, and chicken and gently toss to combine. Garnish with parsley and additional parmesan cheese as desired.

Chicken Alfredo - With More Veggies, a Vegan Option & More

Looking for a vegan and/or dairy-free option? Prefer spinach over broccoli?

Find out how to prepare the chicken alfredo with veggies recipe to your ideal liking!

Chicken Alfredo with Veggies

Pasta and broccoli might be a classic combo, but the dish pairs well with so many other veggies. Besides, it is a great way to increase veggie intake, even for the pickiest of eaters!

Feel free to add other favorite veggies, including:

• Asparagus
• Bell pepper
• Peas
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Spinach
• Zucchini

Pro tip: Roast the vegetables prior to adding for an extra pop of flavor!

Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Option

While pasta can fit into a well-balanced diet, one might need or want to lower the carb content of the meal.

Simply cut back on the pasta noodles or serve with low-carb zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Or, combine a small portion of the noodles with a serving of low-carb options to enjoy each.

Vegan & Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo

Our vegan cashew alfredo sauce recipe is what plant-based dreams are made of!

The cashews gift a richness and creaminess most alfredo recipes offer while being naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (and cheesy perfection without the cheese).

To make the pasta dish entirely vegan, swap the chicken with a plant-based protein such as tofu or peas.

3 Time-Saving Tips

Crunched for time? Use these time-saving tips to spend less time in the kitchen!

1. Prepare alfredo sauce in batch to keep on hand whenever time is slim (and that craving strikes)! Store in the fridge in an airtight container after it has cooled. The sauce will thicken as it sits but can easily be thinned back down with a touch of water or milk when reheating.

2. Shred a ready-prepared rotisserie chicken rather than cooking it yourself. Use dark and/or white meat chicken as desired.

3. Use prewashed and precut vegetables, including frozen broccoli florets. Whereas cooking broccoli and other veggies does not take tremendous time and effort, using prewashed and precut varieties can expedite the process.

(Using these tips also means more time sitting down to enjoy one delicious meal!)