Description
This Instant Pot Lighter Chicken Alfredo is a delicious and healthier twist on the classic creamy pasta dish. Made with boneless chicken breasts, whole wheat fettuccine, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cream cheese, it offers a rich Alfredo flavor with fewer calories and less fat. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies your craving without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces whole wheat fettuccine, broken in half
- 1 cup low fat milk
- 4 ounces reduced fat cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned on the outside. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Turn off sauté mode.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add the broken whole wheat fettuccine, salt, and black pepper, pressing the pasta down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. When the cooking time ends, perform a quick release carefully.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Open the lid and stir in the low-fat milk and cubed reduced-fat cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Thicken and Serve: Let the pasta sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh touch.
Notes
- For even lighter results, use skim milk and reduce the Parmesan slightly.
- If the sauce seems too thin initially, allow it to rest for a few minutes as it will continue to thicken.
- Adding steamed broccoli or spinach at the end provides extra vegetables and nutrients.
