This Healthy One Pot Broccoli Pasta Alfredo comes together in less than 30 minutes and it's got a delicious, creamy sauce that's healthier than traditional fettuccine alfredo!
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This post is sponsored by Chickapea Pasta. Thanks so much for supporting the brands I love – they help keep my blog up and running!
Ahhh, pasta night. It's seriously something I look forward to, and I wish I indulged in more often!
Maybe I find the process too cumbersome, or have trouble picking a sauce. I absolutely LOVE pasta alfredo – it's by far my FAVE sauce but I hate how it has the highest calories. I mean sure, dump in a bunch of cream and serve it up and of course it's going to taste good!
But during the work week, that's really not how I eat. I need to fuel my body to feel my best, and that ultimately helps me perform my best during the week. A whole bunch of pasta alfredo with no veggies or protein is not going to help me achieve a healthy balance.
So what's a girl to do except make healthy alfredo sauce? And the best part is that I have adapted this recipe to be a one pot meal so dinner's on the table in under 30 minutes!
I've partnered once again with my fave gluten free pasta brand, Chickapea Pasta, for this delicious Healthy One Pot Broccoli Pasta Alfredo. Their pasta is made with just chickpeas and lentils so the pasta is super high in protein, which makes it easy to add to just about any pasta recipe your heart desires! While I'm not necessarily gluten-free myself, I love the protein aspect and the fact that any one of my friends and family can indulge no matter their dietary restrictions.
Chickapea's spirals turn this simple alfredo sauce into something magical and boosts the nutritional benefits so you can enjoy pasta alfredo guilt-free. And I added a bit of broccoli to add some green to this Healthy One Pot Broccoli Pasta Alfredo – who can resist the colours in this dish?
Now let's talk a little bit more about this healthier alfredo sauce. It really is just as delicious as a regular alfredo sauce, but you are basically slashing the calories in half so you can enjoy a lighter version along with the healthy gluten-free pasta.
You'll take out the traditional cream found in most alfredo recipes and swap it with some chicken broth and 2% milk – you can use 1% as well but I prefer 2% because it's a little bit creamier, and I already usually have some on hand in the fridge. Basically, just use whatever you have!
From there, you'll be making the sauce in one pot first, then adding the pasta second. Why do we do this? Pasta of any kind, gluten-free or not, can get overcooked super easily. Chickapea Pasta cooks al dente to my preference in about 4-5 minutes, so I find letting it simmer along with the broccoli florets is enough time to get the pasta soft enough to eat, and it absorbs the sauce as opposed to absorbing water. More creamy, tasty Broccoli Pasta Alfredo for you!
I also like to use real parmesan cheese as opposed to skimping out on the cheap stuff because that is what takes the flavours up a notch and makes the healthy alfredo sauce creamy and delicious. A little bit goes a long way!
And if you don't have broccoli on hand, feel free of course to add in some other veggies you have on hand, like spinach, zucchini or bell peppers. All fantastic options or additions!
Will you be making this Healthy One Pot Broccoli Pasta Alfredo?
Whether you're prepping it for workweek lunches or just enjoying for dinner, you can rest easy knowing that it's high in protein, and a super nutritious, wholesome version of pasta that you can enjoy guilt-free!
If you try any of my recipes be sure to let me know on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or in the comments – I’d love to see what you come up with!
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Healthy One Pot Broccoli Pasta Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 3/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 box Chickapea Pasta spirals
- 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
Instructions
- Add olive oil and garlic to a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat. Add in flour, whisking until a paste forms. Add in broth, milk, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Lower heat and bring to a simmer.
- Add parmesan cheese, whisking well to combine. Add Chickapea Pasta spirals and stir well to coat, letting simmer for 4-5 minutes or so until pasta is tender. Stir in broccoli and cook another 2 minutes until broccoli is tender and sauce is mostly absorbed.
- Serve with extra parmesan cheese on top and enjoy!
Izzy @ She Likes Food says
This looks SO good!! I love one pot dishes, especially when pasta and cheese is involved!
Sarah | Well and Full says
Wow this looks so insanely creamy and dreamy! I can’t get enough of these gorgeous photos 🙂
Rina says
How much is a serving for this dish?
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Rina! You divide the recipe in 4 and that is one serving!
Marlene says
Do you cook/boil the pasta separately and then add it to the pot?
Taylor Stinson says
Hey Marlene – the pasta will cook in the pot. No need to cook separately then add to the pot!