Skinny Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Name: Skinny Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3/4 pound fettuccine noodles (regular, whole wheat, or gluten free); 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch cubes; 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided; 1 garlic clove, minced; Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon flour; 1 cup non fat milk, warmed; 1 ounce low fat cream cheese; 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese

May 30, 2014 by Danae 31 Comments

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Italian food is one of those types of food that most people enjoy. I don’t know if it’s the comforting carbs, the rich sauces, the smell of the garlic, or the wine that pairs so nicely with it, but something about Italian food grabs people and reels them in. I am one of those people who enjoys Italian food, however I usually only do on a special occasion.

The downside to this addicting and decadent cuisine is that it’s generally high in fat, calories, and carbs. As much as I love all of it’s decadence my hips and butt do not. So, what’s a girl to do? Make Skinny Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo of course!

I remember back in the day going to the Olive Garden and feasting on breadsticks and the creamy dreamy fettuccine alfredo, don’t act like you’ve never had it. There is something about that creamy, buttery, cheesy, sauce that keeps you twirling your fork and shoveling more and more in your mouth until you literally have to unbutton your jeans, we’ve all been there. Then, when all the pasta was gone you found yourself reaching for that ~~fifth~~ second breadstick to wipe up the rest of that luxurious sauce.

That meal was nothing short of heavenly. In reality though, if I ate fettuccine alfredo and breadsticks everyday I’d weigh about 800 pounds and be as wide as a bus, so I resist and save the rich, heavenly, Italian dishes for special occasions. These days when I find myself craving a comforting Italian meal I make this dare I say healthy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.

How might you ask do I make this a figure friendly meal? Easy, there’s no cream or butter in it! Don’t fear, it still has that creamy, garlic, cheesy, flavor we all love.

To make the Skinny Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo I start by cutting two chicken breasts into 1/2 inch cubes and sautéing them in a large skillet with a teaspoon of olive oil. Once the chicken has turned golden brown on one side I give it a stir, add in a pinch of salt, and a clove of minced garlic. I cook the chicken through and then pour it out onto a plate.

Now it’s time to make the sauce. In that same pan I add the remaining olive oil and a tablespoon of flour. Whisk them together until all of the flour is incorporated and pour in the warm non fat milk, whisking as I pour to prevent lumps from forming.

Next add in an ounce of low fat cream cheese, salt, pepper, and a couple tablespoons of parmesan cheese. Whisk everything together until it is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick add in a couple tablespoons of reserved pasta water. Add the chicken back into the sauce and give it a stir until the chicken is completely coated. Pour the chicken alfredo sauce over the cooked fettuccine noodles, top with a little more parmesan cheese, and serve.

That wasn’t so hard was it? And now for the best part twirling your fork into that pile of lovely noodles topped with the creamy sauce that you would never guess was light! No need to unbutton your jeans for this recipe!