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Creamy Chicken Alfredo

A lighter take on the classic alfredo, this creamy pasta dish uses a cauliflower sauce that's both indulgent and nutritious, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Serving Size 3 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless boneless chicken breasts (about 12–16 oz total)
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra savory depth)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (substitute grated Parmesan for dairy)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserve a half cup of pasta water if you want a looser sauce, and set the pasta aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds. Don’t let it brown.
  • Add the cauliflower florets and vegetable broth to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the cauliflower is very tender, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Carefully transfer the cauliflower and broth to a blender or use an immersion blender in the pan. Blend until ultra-smooth. Stir in the nutritional yeast, and season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth.
  • Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium-high. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the breasts in a little oil until they register 165°F (about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice across the grain into strips.
  • Return the cooked fettuccine to the skillet or toss in a large bowl. Add the cauliflower sauce and sliced chicken. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed for silky consistency.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

For a dairy option, substitute nutritional yeast with 1/3 cup grated Parmesan and a splash of milk or cream. Extra greens can be added by stirring in a handful of baby spinach when combining the pasta and sauce.