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Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down, you’re going to love this Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I want creamy, flavorful goodness without the guilt, and honestly, it’s become a fast favorite in my kitchen. Using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream keeps the sauce rich yet light, so you get all the flavor with a healthier twist. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Light but Creamy: Greek yogurt gives the sauce a velvety texture without the heaviness of traditional cream.
  • Quick & Simple: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Flavorful and Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite herbs or pasta shapes.
  • Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this — it’s comfort food that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a sauce that’s rich and satisfying, yet wholesome. When shopping, I recommend grabbing good-quality chicken breasts and fresh garlic for that punch of flavor.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breasts with smooth pale pink skin, whole garlic cloves with papery white skins and smooth cloves peeking out, a wedge of creamy pale yellow Parmesan cheese with a textured rind, a small bunch of bright green fresh parsley leaves, a heap of golden uncooked pasta strands, and a small mound of white Greek yogurt with a thick creamy texture, all beautifully arranged with some scattered dried oregano leaves showing earthy green hues, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo, healthy chicken Alfredo, light chicken Alfredo with Greek yogurt, quick healthy pasta dinner, low-calorie Alfredo recipe
  • Chicken breasts: Slicing them thin helps them cook quickly and stay juicy.
  • Olive oil: Use extra virgin if you can for better flavor and health benefits.
  • Garlic powder: Handy for seasoning the chicken evenly without the hassle of fresh garlic here.
  • Dried oregano: Adds a subtle earthy note that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
  • Butter: Melts into the sauce to bring that classic Alfredo richness.
  • Fresh garlic cloves: Cooking them briefly in butter unleashes a wonderful aroma and flavor.
  • Chicken stock (or broth): Adds depth and moisture to the sauce without extra fat.
  • Greek yogurt: The star of the show for a healthier twist—choose plain and full-fat for best texture.
  • Parmesan cheese: Parmesan melts into the sauce and adds that signature cheesy bite.
  • Salt & black pepper: Season to taste; these basics bring everything together.
  • Pasta: Use your favorite type — I often go for fettuccine or penne.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe is so versatile. Over time, I’ve found little tweaks that make it feel fresh each time you make it. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

  • Use Different Protein: Sometimes I swap chicken for shrimp or turkey breast, and it still tastes fantastic.
  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli instead for a veggie-packed dish.
  • Herb Variations: Fresh basil or thyme can add an herbal twist that’s delightful.
  • Pasta Swaps: For a gluten-free meal, I use chickpea or brown rice pasta—it holds up well with the sauce.

How to Make Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then season liberally with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. I always make sure each piece is well-coated because this seasoning really builds the base flavor for the entire dish.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat—getting it nice and hot helps you get a beautiful golden crust. Cook the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and caramelized. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cooking in batches ensures your chicken gets that great sear instead of steaming. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.

Step 3: Make the Healthy Alfredo Sauce

With the same pan (because all those browned bits are pure flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the crushed fresh garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in the chicken stock, scraping the bottom gently to lift those tasty bits. Bring it to a gentle simmer.

Here’s a trick I discovered: take a few spoonfuls of that hot stock and stir it into your Greek yogurt before adding it to the pan. This tempers the yogurt, so it won’t curdle when heated. Once mixed, pour the yogurt into the pan, stir gently, and warm the sauce until it’s just simmering. Turn off the heat, then mix in the Parmesan cheese along with more salt and black pepper to taste. The sauce will be creamy and luscious without being too heavy.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Bring It All Together

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta until al dente (firm to the bite). Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining—it’s pure magic for adjusting sauce consistency. Toss the pasta right into the creamy Alfredo sauce along with a few tablespoons of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

Finally, add your cooked chicken back to the pan and give everything a good toss. This step always feels like the big reveal — creamy sauce clinging to the chicken and pasta, all mingling together perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

  • Tempering the Yogurt: Mixing a bit of hot stock into your Greek yogurt before adding it to the skillet keeps your sauce smooth and curdle-free.
  • Don’t Overcook Chicken: Watch the chicken closely for golden color; overcooking can dry it out, which defeats the healthy goal.
  • Use Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water helps loosen the sauce just enough so it coats the pasta beautifully without being thick or clumpy.
  • Fresh Garlic Flavor: Add garlic near the beginning of your sauce prep and cook until just fragrant to avoid bitterness.

How to Serve Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

A close-up top view of a white plate with blue patterns filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is creamy, light yellow fettuccine pasta covered in a sauce with a smooth texture; on top of the pasta is a layer of thinly sliced grilled chicken with a golden brown, slightly crisp surface showing grill marks; sprinkled over both pasta and chicken are small pieces of chopped green herbs and finely grated white cheese. A silver fork is stuck into the pasta on the left side of the plate, some pasta twirled around its prongs. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo, healthy chicken Alfredo, light chicken Alfredo with Greek yogurt, quick healthy pasta dinner, low-calorie Alfredo recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving — it adds a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens up the creamy dish. And of course, I can’t resist an extra handful of Parmesan cheese on top for that authentic cheesy finish.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed veggies such as asparagus or broccoli. Sometimes I add garlic bread on the side for that homey touch without overpowering the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this chicken Alfredo in individual small casserole dishes, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. It looks so inviting and feels a bit fancy without extra effort. You could even add roasted cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find it actually tastes better the next day once all the flavors mingle, so it’s a bonus meal for lunch the day after.

Freezing

I personally prefer to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta to maintain texture. Freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Pasta doesn’t always reheat well from frozen, so cook fresh pasta when serving if you can.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce. Stir often to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out or separating.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of yogurt for this Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe?

    Greek yogurt is best for its thick, creamy texture and lower water content, which helps prevent the sauce from becoming too runny or curdling. If you want to substitute, choose plain full-fat yogurt and stir well before adding it gradually to the warm liquid, but be aware the consistency might be a little thinner.

  2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    For a dairy-free version, try using coconut yogurt or a creamy plant-based yogurt alternative and skip the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese option. Be cautious with the sauce temperature to avoid separation.

  3. What type of pasta works best for this dish?

    This Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe works well with wide noodles like fettuccine or pappardelle, but penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta are great options. The key is pasta that holds sauce well and cooks to al dente.

  4. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

    Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. This method ensures the best texture and flavor.

  5. How do I avoid the yogurt sauce from curdling?

    Tempering the yogurt with a bit of hot chicken stock before adding it to the pan is my tried-and-true method. Also, avoid boiling the sauce once the yogurt is added; keep it at a gentle simmer or remove from heat to prevent curdling.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe gives me the comfort food vibes without feeling heavy or over the top. It’s become my go-to for weeknight dinners when I need something quick, tasty, and a little lighter than classic Alfredo. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as satisfying and easy as I do — it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want in your back pocket for those busy days when you want flavor without fuss.

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Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 57 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Easy Healthy Chicken Alfredo recipe offers a lighter twist on the classic creamy pasta dish by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. Featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and a rich Alfredo sauce made with garlic, butter, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is flavorful yet nutritious. Perfect for a quick weeknight family meal, it combines creamy, comforting flavors with a healthier profile.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 500 g / 1 lb chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • salt and black pepper (to taste)

Sauce

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 fresh garlic cloves (crushed)
  • 1 cup chicken stock / chicken broth
  • 2 cups Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (+ extra for serving)
  • salt and black pepper (to taste)

Pasta

  • 500 g / 1 lb pasta of your choice


Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked thoroughly. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add chicken stock: Pour in the chicken stock while scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits (fond), which adds extra flavor to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Temper the yogurt: Slowly stir a few spoonfuls of the hot chicken stock into the Greek yogurt to temper it. This step prevents the yogurt from curdling when heated.
  6. Combine yogurt with sauce: Pour the tempered yogurt into the pan and bring the sauce to a simmer, then turn off the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  8. Combine pasta and sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot or large mixing bowl. Stir in the Alfredo sauce along with a few tablespoons of reserved cooking water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
  9. Add the chicken: Slice or chop the cooked chicken and toss it together with the sauced pasta.
  10. Serve: Plate the dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream creates a healthier, protein-rich Alfredo sauce with less fat.
  • Tempering the yogurt with hot chicken stock is essential to prevent curdling during cooking.
  • You can use any pasta type you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently; add extra stock or water if sauce thickens too much.
  • For extra veggies, consider adding steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms when combining the pasta and sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 566 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 481 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 47 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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