Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo

Welcome to the ultimate guide for a delightfully creamy and utterly satisfying low-carb chicken alfredo with broccoli! This dish redefines comfort food, allowing you to indulge in rich, cheesy flavors without any of the guilt associated with traditional pasta. It’s an incredibly satisfying, gluten-free, and keto-friendly meal that promises to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Low Carb Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli, a creamy and delicious keto-friendly meal.

Easy & Delicious Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli

Craving a rich and hearty meal that supports your low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle? Look no further! This easy low-carb chicken alfredo is designed to be a quick and effortless dinner solution that the entire family will adore. Forget the notion that healthy eating means sacrificing flavor; this recipe is packed with depth, creaminess, and a cheesy goodness that will truly surprise you. We’re excited to share this adaptable recipe, along with all the tips and tricks to make it your own.

A close-up of creamy low-carb chicken alfredo with tender chicken and bright green broccoli florets.

The beauty of this low-carb chicken alfredo lies in its simplicity and superior taste. It’s as straightforward to prepare as using a jarred sauce, yet the homemade difference is simply incomparable. If you’re a fan of cheesy chicken and broccoli combinations, prepare to fall in love with this version. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a nutritious and fulfilling meal without the carb overload.

Crafting the Perfect Keto Alfredo Sauce

The heart of any exceptional alfredo dish is its sauce, and for a truly keto-friendly and flavorful experience, the quality of your ingredients is paramount. To achieve that unparalleled depth and richness, it’s crucial to use full-fat dairy products. This isn’t a place to skimp; embrace the lusciousness of real butter, heavy whipping cream, full-fat cream cheese, and a generous blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. For an even more exquisite taste and texture, consider investing in fresh mozzarella and grating your Parmesan cheese at home just before use. The difference in flavor and melt will be immediately noticeable, elevating your alfredo from good to absolutely phenomenal.

Ingredients for a homemade keto alfredo sauce laid out on a kitchen counter.

Beyond the dairy, judicious seasoning is key. We’ve flavored this decadent sauce with aromatic oregano, pungent garlic, and savory onion powder to create a harmonious blend that complements the rich cheese. If you enjoy a touch of warmth and spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a delightful kick. For those who prefer a brighter, slightly sweeter note, a garnish of fresh parsley adds a beautiful finish and a hint of herbaceous freshness.

While this recipe brilliantly shines without traditional pasta, offering a wholesome, low-carb experience, you certainly have options if you desire a noodle-like texture. Consider serving this creamy alfredo over “zoodles” (zucchini noodles), spaghetti squash, or palmini noodles for an equally satisfying and diet-compliant meal. These alternatives absorb the rich sauce beautifully, ensuring you won’t miss the carbs.

Don’t stop at broccoli for your vegetables! This dish is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap the broccoli for other low-carb favorites like sautéed mushrooms and spinach, or even incorporate all three for a nutrient-packed medley. Asparagus, bell peppers, or even cauliflower florets would also be excellent additions, providing different textures and flavors while keeping the carb count low.

Is Alfredo Sauce Keto-Friendly? Decoding the Dairy

One of the most common questions regarding a keto lifestyle is about sauces, especially creamy ones like alfredo. The good news is, yes, alfredo sauce is inherently keto-friendly! Most traditional and jarred alfredo sauces are low in net carbs, typically ranging around 3g net carbs per 1/4 cup serving. However, there’s a significant distinction to be made between store-bought and homemade versions.

While convenient, jarred sauces often come with a list of preservatives, artificial flavors, and sometimes even added sugars or thickeners that aren’t ideal for a clean keto diet. Crafting your alfredo sauce from scratch allows you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring you’re using only the freshest, highest-quality dairy. This not only enhances the flavor profile significantly but also minimizes unwanted additives. The richness of homemade alfredo means a little goes a long way, leaving you feeling perfectly satisfied without overeating.

A bowl of creamy, low-carb chicken alfredo ready to be served.

Storing and Reheating Your Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Freshly made alfredo sauce is undeniably best enjoyed immediately. However, it’s completely understandable to have leftovers, and proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor. Be prepared: homemade alfredo sauce, particularly those made with cream cheese, will firm up considerably when chilled in the refrigerator. This is a natural reaction of the fats solidifying and is absolutely normal – it doesn’t mean your sauce is ruined!

Leftover low-carb chicken alfredo stored in an airtight container.

To store, simply transfer your alfredo sauce (or the complete chicken alfredo dish) into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is straightforward. Gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. As it heats, the solidified cream cheese and butter will melt back into a smooth, creamy consistency, tasting just as fresh and delicious as when it was first made. You might need to add a splash of water or heavy cream if it’s too thick during reheating.

Choosing the Best Meat for Your Alfredo

While chicken is a classic choice for alfredo, and for good reason – its mild flavor perfectly complements the rich, creamy sauce – you have several fantastic options to explore. We’ve specifically used chicken breasts in this recipe, cut into strips, as they cook quickly and absorb the flavors beautifully. For those who prefer a juicier, more tender bite, chicken thighs are an excellent alternative, offering a slightly richer flavor profile.

Cooked chicken strips being added to a creamy alfredo sauce.

If time is of the essence, a shredded rotisserie chicken is your best friend. It significantly cuts down on prep and cook time, making this a truly “fast food” option for a busy weeknight. Simply shred the pre-cooked chicken and warm it through in the sauce.

Beyond chicken, consider the succulent taste of cooked shrimp. Its delicate texture and sweet flavor make it a wonderful pairing with the creamy alfredo sauce, offering a delightful seafood variation. While heartier meats like pork or beef might overpower the delicate alfredo, thinly sliced ham can create an intriguing flavor profile, reminiscent of a keto-friendly carbonara. For an extra layer of savory depth and a delightful crunch, don’t hesitate to top your finished dish with a sprinkle of crispy chopped bacon. The possibilities are endless when customizing your protein!

Indulge in Chicken Alfredo Without the Noodles

Prepare to be amazed – you genuinely won’t miss the noodles when savoring this incredibly rich and creamy low-carb chicken alfredo. The sauce itself is so decadent and fulfilling that it stands perfectly on its own as the star of the show. This dish is designed to be deeply satisfying, making you feel completely nourished without the heavy, carb-laden sensation of traditional pasta.

A generous serving of low-carb chicken alfredo with broccoli, ready to eat.

To complete this delightful meal, consider serving it alongside some crispy keto garlic toast, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the luscious sauce. A side of vibrant roasted vegetables, such as bacon-wrapped asparagus, green beans, or a simple leafy green salad with a light vinaigrette, would beautifully complement the richness of the alfredo. Your entire family, regardless of their dietary preferences, is going to absolutely rave about this dinner idea. It’s a testament to how flavorful and comforting low-carb eating can be!

Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Get ready to create this incredible low-carb chicken alfredo in your own kitchen! Below is a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. All exact measurements are also presented in the simplified recipe card following this section for easy reference.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Chicken breasts, cut into small strips
  • 4 cups Broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 2 ounces Cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (preferably fresh)
  • 1 tsp Minced garlic
  • 1/8 cup Water (for broccoli)
  • 1/2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • Cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat, fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and sauté until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly golden. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.

    Chicken strips cooking in a skillet.

  2. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets along with ⅛ cup of water. Cover the skillet and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli becomes bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Remove the cooked broccoli and set it aside with the chicken.

    Broccoli cooking in a skillet with a splash of water.

  3. Using the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook until the butter is melted and the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously with a whisk to ensure the cream cheese melts smoothly and nothing sticks to the bottom or burns.

    Cream cheese and heavy cream melting in a skillet with garlic and butter.

  4. Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is simmering, stir in both the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, along with the onion powder and oregano. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted, creating a smooth, creamy, and velvety sauce. If your sauce appears too thick, you can thin it out by adding 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra heavy cream, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

    Cheeses, onion powder, and oregano being stirred into the creamy alfredo sauce.

  5. Return the cooked chicken strips and broccoli florets to the skillet with the alfredo sauce. Gently toss to coat everything thoroughly and continue to cook for a few minutes, allowing the chicken and broccoli to heat through and for the flavors to meld together beautifully.

    Chicken and broccoli mixed into the creamy alfredo sauce in a skillet.

  6. Remove the skillet from the stove. Serve hot, garnished with freshly cracked black pepper and additional shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and comforting low-carb chicken alfredo!

Pin this amazing recipe for later!

Low Carb Chicken Alfredo

Follow me on Pinterest for more delicious low-carb recipes!

Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Recipe Card

This low-carb chicken alfredo with broccoli is super cheesy and incredibly comforting. It’s the best way to indulge without noodles.

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Chicken Alfredo, Low-Carb Alfredo, Keto Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 540 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

  • 2 Chicken Breasts, cut into small strips
  • 4 cups Broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 2 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp Minced Garlic
  • 1/8 cup Water
  • 1/2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • Cracked Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Start by melting 2 Tbsp butter in a large skillet. Add chicken strips, sauté until chicken is cooked through. Remove and set aside for now.
  2. In the same skillet add broccoli, along with ⅛ cup of water. Cover and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until broccoli becomes bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside for now.
  3. In the same skillet, add 2 Tbsp butter and minced garlic. Once butter is melted and garlic becomes fragrant, add heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir continuously with a whisk until smooth so nothing sticks or burns.
  4. Stir in both kinds of cheese, onion powder, and oregano. Continue to stir until everything is melted and creamy. *If your sauce is too thick, you can add 1-2 Tbsp of water or extra heavy cream.
  5. Return the chicken and broccoli to the sauce. Cook until everything is heated back up and coated thoroughly.
  6. Remove from the stove, top with cracked pepper and additional shredded cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes:

Calories: Approximately 540 Per Serving

Net Carbs: Approximately 6 Net Carbs Per Serving

The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. We cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site, as variations in ingredients and preparation methods can occur.

More Delicious Low-Carb Pasta Alternatives & Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the creamy indulgence of this chicken alfredo without the carbs, you’ll be thrilled to discover more low-carb “pasta” recipes that offer similar satisfaction and flavor. These dishes prove that a healthy diet doesn’t mean sacrificing your favorite comfort foods. Explore these exciting options:

  • Palmini Peanut Noodles: A flavorful Asian-inspired dish using palmini for a unique texture.
  • Low-Carb Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: Bright, zesty, and utterly creamy – perfect for a lighter yet filling meal.
  • Keto Feta Baked Pasta with Tomatoes: The viral sensation, reimagined for a keto-friendly diet, bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
  • Keto Tomato Cream Sauce Pasta with Mushrooms: A rich and savory tomato-based sauce combined with earthy mushrooms over low-carb pasta.

These recipes are designed to keep your taste buds happy and your diet goals on track. Happy cooking!