Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Roasted Peppers
Indulge in a lighter yet creamy version of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo that captures the essence of comfort food without the guilt. This delightful dish is packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables, delivering a satisfying taste that you and your loved ones will cherish. The roasted red peppers add a smoky sweetness, while the low-fat cottage cheese provides a creamy texture. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, allowing you to enjoy a classic Italian favorite in a healthier way. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. Bon appétit!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Peppers
2 (cut in half, seeds and ribs removed)
Low Fat Cottage Cheese
1 cup
Canned Chicken Broth
2 tablespoons
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Frozen Broccoli
10 ounces (chopped (or use fresh, steamed and chopped))
Whole Wheat Fettuccine
12 ounces
Cooked Boneless Chicken Breasts
2 (sliced into strips (microwave or use rotisserie chicken))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the halved red peppers cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the skin is blackened and peeling away.
2
Once roasted, remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to cool until you can handle them. Carefully peel off the skin and slice the peppers into long strips. If you're using jarred roasted red peppers, simply set them aside.
3
In a blender or food processor, combine the low-fat cottage cheese and canned chicken broth. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the cheese sauce aside.
4
Prepare the broccoli according to the package directions in the microwave. Once cooked, set aside.
5
Cook the whole wheat fettuccine according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water; then drain the pasta and return it to the bowl.
6
Combine the cheese sauce, roasted red pepper strips, and broccoli with the cooked fettuccine. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
7
Top the pasta dish with the sliced cooked chicken breasts and serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Roasted Peppers, a lighter version of the classic Italian comfort food.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary ingredients for the healthy Alfredo sauce?
The sauce is made using low-fat cottage cheese, canned chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
How do I roast the red peppers for this dish?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and roast halved peppers cut side down for about 20 minutes until the skin blackens.
Can I use jarred roasted peppers instead of fresh ones?
Yes, if you use jarred roasted red peppers, you can simply slice them and skip the oven roasting steps.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of whole wheat fettuccine for added fiber and nutrition.
Is the chicken cooked during the pasta assembly?
No, the recipe requires pre-cooked boneless chicken breasts, which are sliced and added at the end.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the cheese sauce?
Combine the cottage cheese and chicken broth in a blender or food processor and blend for about 2 minutes until creamy.
What vegetable is included in this pasta dish?
The recipe includes 10 ounces of chopped broccoli, which can be frozen or fresh and steamed.
Should I save any of the pasta cooking water?
Yes, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency.
How do I prepare the roasted peppers after they come out of the oven?
Allow them to cool, then carefully peel off the blackened skin and slice the peppers into long strips.
What is the recommended garnish for this meal?
The dish is served hot and can be garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe considered a 'One Dish Meal'?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal as it combines protein, vegetables, and grains in one serving.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses one minced garlic clove, though you can adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option for the cooked chicken breast component.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 main ingredients: red peppers, cottage cheese, broth, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, broccoli, fettuccine, and chicken.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
Yes, it uses low-fat cottage cheese and lean chicken breasts to create a lighter version of Alfredo.
Can this recipe be vegetarian?
It can be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken and substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How long do I blend the sauce?
You should blend the cottage cheese and broth for approximately 2 minutes until it is completely smooth.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include pasta, chicken, alfredo, healthy, low-fat, italian, and comfort food.
What temperature should the oven be for the peppers?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C).
How do I thin the sauce if it is too thick?
Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli that has been steamed and chopped.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat the oven and begin roasting the halved red peppers.
What provides the smoky sweetness in this dish?
The roasted red peppers provide a smoky sweetness to the flavor profile.
Is whole wheat pasta required?
While recommended for health benefits, you could use regular fettuccine if preferred.
What is the purpose of the cottage cheese in this recipe?
Cottage cheese acts as a high-protein, low-fat base to create a creamy texture without using heavy cream.
How should I serve this for a complete meal?
The description suggests serving it with a side salad for a balanced and nutritious meal.
What type of cheese is mixed into the sauce?
Grated Parmesan cheese is stirred into the blended cottage cheese mixture.
How is the chicken sliced?
The cooked chicken breasts should be sliced into thin strips.