Heart-Healthy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Heart-Healthy Chicken Alfredo Pasta—a lighter twist on a classic favorite that's perfect for guilt-free comfort food! Made with whole wheat fettuccine and lean, protein-packed chicken breasts, this recipe delivers all the flavor without the extra calories. The velvety Alfredo sauce is crafted from low-sodium chicken broth, low-fat milk, and just the right touch of Parmesan cheese, elevated with aromatic garlic, nutmeg, and oregano. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color, nutrients, and a wholesome feel to every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is a delicious way to enjoy creamy pasta while keeping heart health in mind. Whether you're watching your sodium intake or seeking a healthier version of your go-to classic, this recipe is sure to satisfy!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat fettuccine
- 2 pieces skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 0.125 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
Cook the whole wheat fettuccine according to package instructions, omitting added salt. Drain and set aside.
While pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk together the chicken broth, low-fat milk, and cornstarch. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, around 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried oregano, nutmeg, and salt if using. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and combine with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss until well-coated with the sauce.
Serve immediately and enjoy your heart-healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2090 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.1 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.5 g | 102% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 360 mg | 120% | |
| Sodium | 1380 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 202.0 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.2 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.6 g | ||
| Protein | 170.2 g | 340% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.6 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 914 mg | 70% | |
| Iron | 14.1 mg | 78% | |
| Potassium | 1515 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
