Chicken Fettuccine(Low-Fat Recipe)
A light and flavorful chicken fettuccine dish featuring zucchini and mushrooms, perfect for health-conscious eaters seeking a creamy yet low-fat pasta meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boned, skinned chicken breasts, cut in bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- pinch of lite salt (optional) ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 4 cups hot cooked fettuccine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup skimmed evaporated milk ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons fat-free chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can stems and pieces mushrooms, rinsed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a large nonstick frying pan with nonfat cooking spray and sauté the onion and garlic in chicken broth.
- Add the dried basil, garlic powder, lite salt (if using), and pepper to taste.
- Add the chicken pieces and sauté for about 7 minutes or until cooked through.
- Add the sliced zucchini and drained mushrooms, then sauté until tender.
- Stir in the hot cooked fettuccine and skimmed evaporated milk.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top and mix well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken pieces in lemon juice and herbs before cooking. If you don't have zucchini, yellow squash or bell peppers work well as substitutes. For a creamier sauce, you can replace skimmed evaporated milk with low-fat Greek yogurt. This dish can be part of a balanced meal alongside a fresh salad or a side of steamed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Fettuccine hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of Pasta E Fagioli for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Fettuccine(Low-Fat Recipe) contains roughly 1064 calories, with 24g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (75% of the Daily Value), calcium (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2147mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta instead of fettuccine?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute it with whole wheat pasta, penne, or even gluten-free varieties. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose to ensure it's cooked al dente.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, to make this dish dairy-free, simply omit the skimmed evaporated milk and replace it with a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond or coconut milk. You can also skip the cheese altogether or use a dairy-free cheese substitute for added creaminess.
How can I make this recipe more filling?
To make the Chicken Fettuccine more filling, consider adding a protein-rich ingredient such as chickpeas or using whole grain pasta, which is higher in fiber. You can also serve it with a side of crusty whole grain bread to round out the meal and keep you satisfied.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).