Creamy Honey-Dijon Chicken Fettuccine with Broccoli
Indulge in this creamy yet light fettuccine dish that brilliantly combines tender strips of chicken with fresh broccoli, all enveloped in a delightful honey-Dijon dressing. This recipe, adapted from a classic 1999 Weight Watchers Cookbook, has received rave reviews for its incredible flavor, deceptively low points, and user-friendliness. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a fulfilling one-dish meal that will impress even the pickiest of eaters, just like it did with my husband—who notoriously dislikes chicken! With only 3 WW Points per serving, you can enjoy this guilt-free delight any day of the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
refrigerated fresh fettuccine
9 ounces (cut in half)
fresh broccoli florets
4 cups (from a 16-ounce package) (washed and trimmed)
fat-free honey-dijon salad dressing
1/3 cup (none)
red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic, minced
1 teaspoon (minced)
cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, shredded
10 1/8 ounces (use leftover cooked chicken) (shredded)
ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the fettuccine pasta package in half to make it easier to cook.
2
Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions, ensuring to omit any salt or fat.
3
In the final 3 minutes of cooking, add the fresh broccoli florets to the boiling pasta to blanch them perfectly.
4
Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli well, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the fat-free honey-Dijon salad dressing, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic until well combined.
6
Pour the dressing mixture over the warm pasta and broccoli, and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
7
Fold in the shredded cooked chicken and sprinkle with ground pepper for a finishing touch.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful dish warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Honey-Dijon Chicken Fettuccine with Broccoli.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 9 ounces of refrigerated fresh fettuccine.
Should I prepare the fettuccine in any specific way?
Yes, you should cut the fettuccine pasta package in half to make it easier to cook.
How much broccoli is needed for this recipe?
You will need 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, which is typically from a 16-ounce package.
When should I add the broccoli to the pasta?
Add the fresh broccoli florets to the boiling pasta during the final 3 minutes of cooking to blanch them.
What is the base of the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made using 1/3 cup of fat-free honey-Dijon salad dressing.
What type of vinegar is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar.
How much Dijon mustard should be added?
You should add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Is there any oil in the dressing mixture?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
Does the recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, it requires 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
How is the chicken prepared for this dish?
The recipe uses 10 1/8 ounces of cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been shredded.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is recommended for this recipe.
What seasoning is used at the end?
The dish is finished with 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper, or to taste.
Where does this recipe originate from?
This recipe is adapted from a classic 1999 Weight Watchers Cookbook.
How many Weight Watchers points are in a serving?
This recipe contains only 3 Weight Watchers Points per serving.
Is this a good meal for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Is this considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, guilt-free delight.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a fulfilling one-dish meal.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the fettuccine according to package directions but omit any salt or fat.
What should I do after draining the pasta and broccoli?
Transfer them to a large mixing bowl once they are well drained.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Whisk together the fat-free honey-Dijon dressing, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic in a separate bowl.
How is the sauce combined with the pasta?
Pour the dressing mixture over the warm pasta and broccoli and toss gently to combine.
When is the chicken added?
Fold in the shredded cooked chicken after the pasta and broccoli have been tossed with the dressing.
Should this dish be served hot or cold?
It should be served immediately and enjoyed while it is warm.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is tagged as family friendly and is designed to impress even picky eaters.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include dinner, one dish meal, pasta, chicken, healthy, weight watchers, quick meal, easy recipe, and family friendly.
What is the description of the dish's flavor?
It is described as a creamy yet light dish with incredible flavor from a honey-Dijon dressing.
Is the broccoli cooked separately?
No, it is blanched in the same boiling water as the pasta during the last 3 minutes.
Does the recipe require specific kitchen tools?
You will need a pot for boiling, a strainer for draining, a whisk, and a large mixing bowl.