Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Soup
Indulge in a bowl of comfort with this Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Soup. Modified from a classic Alfredo recipe, this version is designed for those who want a deliciously rich meal without compromising on health. Using fat-free half-and-half and reduced-fat Parmesan cheese, this lower-fat soup maintains a creamy texture while being lighter on calories. The combination of tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and bow tie pasta creates a hearty and satisfying dish for the whole family. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a comforting lunch, this soup is sure to become a new favorite!
8-10 servings
Servings
240
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped Sweet Onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
3 large (minced)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Light Butter
1/4 cup (none)
Flour
3/4 cup, divided (none)
Chicken Broth
4 cups (none)
Fat-Free Half-and-Half
1 quart (none)
Reduced-Fat Parmesan Cheese
1.5 cups (shredded)
Water
2 cups (none)
Broccoli Florets
16 ounces (prepared)
Boneless Chicken Breasts
3 cups (cooked and diced)
White Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Nutmeg
1 dash (optional)
Farfalle Bow Tie Pasta
6 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
2
Incorporate the light butter into the pot, allowing it to melt. Gradually stir in 1/4 cup of the flour, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and slightly thickened.
3
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of flour with a small amount of chicken broth, whisking to eliminate lumps. Gradually add this mixture to the stockpot along with the remaining chicken broth and fat-free half-and-half, stirring continuously until the soup thickens to a creamy consistency.
4
While the soup base is thickening, prepare the broccoli. Steam it using a microwave steamer bag or cook it in a separate pan with 2 cups of water until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat, keeping the cooking water with the broccoli to retain flavor and nutrients.
5
Once the soup is thickened, stir in the reduced-fat Parmesan cheese, cooking on low heat until melted and well combined.
6
Finally, add the steamed broccoli (and its cooking water if desired), cooked and diced chicken, seasonings (white pepper, salt, and nutmeg), and cooked bow tie pasta to the stockpot. Stir well and heat through until all ingredients are warmed. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
8
Fat
28
Carbs
16
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Soup?
It is a comfort-focused soup modified from a classic Alfredo recipe, designed to be lower in fat while remaining rich and hearty.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are approximately 240 calories per serving.
How is the fat content kept low in this Alfredo soup?
The recipe uses fat-free half-and-half and reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to reduce the overall fat content to 8 grams per serving.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of cooked Farfalle, which is also known as bow tie pasta.
Can I use regular half-and-half instead of fat-free?
Yes, you can use regular half-and-half, but it will increase the fat and calorie content of the soup.
What type of chicken is best for this soup?
The recipe recommends using 3 cups of cooked and diced boneless chicken breasts.
How should I prepare the broccoli?
Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until just tender, either in a microwave steamer bag or in a pan with 2 cups of water.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the chopped sweet onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and softened.
What is the method for thickening the soup base?
The soup is thickened using a roux made of light butter and flour, followed by a slurry of flour and chicken broth.
What type of cheese is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of shredded reduced-fat Parmesan cheese.
Can frozen broccoli be used?
Yes, frozen broccoli florets can be used as long as they are steamed or cooked until tender before being added to the soup.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of protein.
Is there a substitute for bow tie pasta?
You can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli if bow tie pasta is unavailable.
Why is nutmeg included in the ingredients?
A dash of nutmeg is an optional seasoning that adds a classic depth of flavor often found in traditional Alfredo sauces.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 to 10 servings.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken or replace it with a plant-based protein.
How do I ensure there are no lumps in the flour mixture?
Whisk the flour with a small amount of chicken broth in a separate bowl before gradually adding it to the stockpot.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for chopped sweet onion for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh minced garlic is recommended for fragrance, you can use garlic powder if necessary, adjusting to taste.
How much total fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains 8 grams of fat.
Is this soup a healthy option?
Yes, it is designed as a lighter alternative to traditional Alfredo dishes, featuring lean protein and vegetables.
What seasonings are used in the soup?
The soup is seasoned with white pepper, salt, and an optional dash of nutmeg.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, cooked and diced chicken thighs can be used, though they may slightly increase the fat content.
Should the chicken be cooked before adding it to the pot?
Yes, the instructions specify adding cooked and diced chicken during the final assembly stage.
Should I discard the broccoli cooking water?
The recipe suggests keeping the cooking water with the broccoli to retain nutrients and flavor when adding it to the soup.
What equipment do I need to make this soup?
You will need a large heavy stockpot, a microwave steamer or pan for the broccoli, and a whisk for the flour mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Absolutely, its creamy texture and familiar flavors make it a hearty and satisfying dish for the whole family.
How much Parmesan cheese should I buy?
You will need 1.5 cups of shredded reduced-fat Parmesan cheese.
What is the final step in the cooking process?
The final step is to stir in the broccoli, chicken, seasonings, and pasta, then heat everything through before serving.
Can this soup be served immediately?
Yes, once all ingredients are combined and warmed through, it should be served immediately for the best texture.