Lightened Up One Pot Chicken Alfredo

PREP TIME10 minutes

COOK TIME20 minutes

ADDITIONAL TIME5 minutes

TOTAL TIME35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbsp light butter
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lb Barilla plus pasta or whole wheat pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk or skim milk
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan
  • Optional garnish fresh parsley and bacon crumbles -I like to use a Hormel precooked real bacon crumbles 2 Tbsp for 1 smartpoint, if desired.

Instructions

    1. Using a sharp knife, cut chicken breasts into pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
    2. Spray a large stock pot or deep skillet with non stick cooking spray over medium-high heat.
    3. Add chicken pieces and sauté until nicely brown on the outside, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. It’s okay if the chicken pieces are still pink on the inside. They get added back with the unsweetened almond milk.
    4. Using that same pot add the butter and garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until butter melts. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes.
    5. Reduce heat and add the pasta.
    6. Stir occasionally for 2 minutes, or until the pasta just begins to bend and soften.
      Cover with a lid. Continue to cook, while stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and al dente (about another 5-7 minutes).
    7. Meanwhile, warm up the unsweetened almond or skim milk in the microwave for 20-35 seconds- then whisk in cornstarch.
    8. Pour the unsweetened almond or skim milk mixture and the chicken pieces into the pasta pot.
    9. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 5 minutes.
    10. Stir in the Parmesan and continue stirring until all ingredients are well incorporated.
    11. Remove from heat. The sauce will continue to thicken.
    12. Garnish with bacon crumbles and fresh parsley, if desired. Add additional salt and pepper, if needed.
    13. If you’re not if serving immediately, the sauce will be become thicker and you may add some milk to thin it out.