Low Carb Chicken Alfredo: Creamy and Delicious Keto-Friendly Meal
Craving a rich and creamy pasta dish but trying to stay on track with your low-carb or keto diet? This Low Carb Chicken Alfredo is here to satisfy your cravings without breaking your diet! With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy all the flavors of classic Alfredo sauce with a fraction of the carbs. Plus, it’s a quick and easy recipe that you can whip up any night of the week. Ready to dig into a plate of creamy, cheesy goodness? Let’s make it together!
This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it over zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or even steamed broccoli for a low-carb twist on a classic. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking—this Low Carb Chicken Alfredo is about to become a regular on your dinner table!
One of the best things about this recipe is how it transforms a traditionally heavy dish into a light, keto-friendly version without sacrificing flavor. If you’re someone who loves creamy sauces but wants to avoid the carbs typically found in pasta dishes, this is the perfect solution. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it—just a few basic ingredients and a bit of enthusiasm!
Let’s talk about the flexibility of this dish. Not only can you swap out the chicken for other proteins like shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option, but you can also play around with the base. Instead of traditional pasta, which is off-limits on a low-carb diet, you can use zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or even spaghetti squash. Each of these options brings its own unique texture and flavor, making this dish adaptable to your preferences.
Ingredients for Low Carb Chicken Alfredo
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Low-carb noodles, zucchini noodles, or steamed broccoli for serving
About the Ingredients & Preparation Time
The ingredients for this Low Carb Chicken Alfredo are simple yet packed with flavor. The chicken provides a hearty protein base, while the combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy sauce that’s every bit as indulgent as the original Alfredo sauce. The chicken broth adds depth to the sauce without the need for flour or cornstarch, keeping the carbs low. You can also customize the dish by serving it over your favorite low-carb base, whether that’s zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or even steamed veggies.
The choice of base is crucial in maintaining the low-carb nature of this dish. Zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles,” are a popular choice because they have a similar texture to pasta but with far fewer carbs. Shirataki noodles, made from konjac yam, are another great option—they’re virtually carb-free and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice provides a great alternative that pairs wonderfully with the rich Alfredo sauce.
This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. And if you’re cooking for a crowd, the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled without any extra hassle.
Method of Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Garlic is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a deep, savory flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. As the sauce begins to bubble, you’ll notice it thickening slightly—this is when the magic happens!
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Parmesan cheese is essential here, as it not only adds flavor but also helps thicken the sauce without needing any starchy thickeners.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the sauce as you go, adjusting the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through. At this point, the chicken should be tender and fully infused with the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve the Alfredo sauce over your choice of low-carb noodles, zucchini noodles, or steamed broccoli. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
A Creamy Variation: Low Carb Shrimp Alfredo
For a delicious twist, try making this dish with shrimp instead of chicken! Simply swap out the chicken for shrimp, following the same steps. Sauté the shrimp until they’re pink and cooked through, then proceed with the sauce as directed. The creamy Alfredo pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of shrimp, making it an elegant yet easy dinner option.
Shrimp not only adds a different flavor profile but also changes the texture of the dish, making it feel lighter and more sophisticated. Plus, shrimp cooks quickly, so this variation can shave a few minutes off your prep time, making it even more convenient for busy weeknights.
Pair It with a Side: Keto Garlic Bread
To complete your meal, serve your Low Carb Chicken Alfredo with a side of keto garlic bread. Simply take some low-carb bread, spread it with garlic butter, and toast it until golden brown. The crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.
Keto garlic bread adds that extra bit of indulgence to the meal, making it feel like a true Italian feast without all the carbs. The garlic butter is simple to make and can be prepared in advance, saving you time when it comes to serving up dinner. Plus, the bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!
A Side Salad for Balance
If you prefer something lighter on the side, consider serving this dish with a fresh green salad. A simple salad made with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Alfredo sauce. The crispness of the salad complements the creamy chicken and adds a nice balance to the meal.
Not only does a salad add color and texture, but it also boosts the nutritional content of the meal. Leafy greens are full of vitamins and minerals, and when paired with a healthy fat like olive oil in the dressing, they’re even more beneficial. Plus, a salad is quick to throw together and can be customized to include your favorite veggies.
More Recipes to Explore
If you enjoyed this Low Carb Chicken Alfredo, you’ll love our other keto-friendly dinner recipes! Be sure to check it out and keep your dinners exciting and delicious.
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Ready to Dig In?
This Low Carb Chicken Alfredo is the perfect comfort food for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, yet light on carbs. Whether you stick to the classic chicken version or try the shrimp variation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
So, gather your ingredients and get cooking—you’re in for a treat! Don’t forget to share your creations with us and let us know how you made this recipe your own. And while you’re at it, check out some of our other recipes for more delicious, low-carb meals that fit perfectly into your healthy lifestyle.