Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken & Broccoli With Legume-Based Pasta

Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken & Broccoli with Legume-Based Pasta

This dish swaps out traditional Alfredo sauce for a lighter, creamy sauce made with low-fat Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, and uses legume-based pasta for a lower glycemic impact.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz about 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or strips, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1/2 cup low-fat Greek or plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup low-fat or skim milk in moderation
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste use sparingly for sodium control
  • 4 oz dry 100% legume-based pasta (such as chickpea or lentil pasta)
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the legume-based pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken & Broccoli: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes14. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet, adding a tablespoon or two of water if needed, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking15.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-fat Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, low-fat milk, and Italian herbs.
  5. Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. Do not boil.
  6. Add the cooked and drained legume-based pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
  7. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste, keeping sodium intake in mind.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

This meal is rich in lean protein, fiber, and beneficial nutrients, making it a great option for individuals managing diabetes.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating