Low Calorie Chicken Alfredo (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 8-10 ounces pasta, any shape
02 - 2 cups broccoli florets

→ For the chicken

03 - 2 medium chicken breasts, pounded flat or cut in half
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon pepper

→ For the Alfredo sauce

10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
11 - 1/2 onion, minced
12 - 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
14 - 1 cup chicken stock or water
15 - 1 cup whole milk
16 - 2 ounces cream cheese
17 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Cook pasta al dente in generously salted water according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets to the pasta during the last minute of cooking. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat a large pan on medium heat. Add the olive oil to the pan. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove from the pan, let cool for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
03 - To the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and minced onion. Cook the onion for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until golden. Whisk in the flour and cook until lightly toasted, about 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and milk, whisking constantly, until smooth and incorporated.
04 - Bring the mixture to a simmer and whisk in the cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth and lump-free. Season generously with salt and pepper.
05 - Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Top with the cooked chicken and gently mix or serve the chicken on top. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or parsley if desired. Enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain bright green and slightly crisp.
02 - Pasta water can be reserved to thin out the sauce if necessary.