IBD-Friendly Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo used to be one of my favorite things to eat before I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Now, after 16 years, I can finally say I've mastered a clean way *for me* to have fun in the kitchen while actually being able to eat a dish I cook!

Ingredients for IBD-friendly chicken alfredo

• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• 1/4 cup Heavy whipping cream (OPTIONAL) - do not add until the end or will curdle!
• 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded not grated, but if that's all you have, use 3/4 cup grated)
• 1/2 cup Veggie or chicken broth
• Garlic - 2 or 3 cloves (depends on how much garlic you like)
• Pasta (I use veggie pasta, but normally it’s used with fettuccine )
• 3 Tbsp. Butter
• 1.5 lbs. Chicken - (You can also use chicken breast but I prefer finding the chopped up frozen chicken that's already cooked, just needs heating up.)

Directions for IBD-friendly chicken alfredo

1. Prepare your pasta in salted water during this time or in the middle of cooking. Put a lid on the pasta to keep warm, where you will be adding all of the ingredients to in the end.
2. Simmer garlic and butter lightly, and add your choice of broth.
3. Remove from heat source & let cool for 3-4 minutes.
4. This is when you want to add your Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Yogurt can also curdle quickly, so make sure it's cooled off enough before adding.
5. Mix well & then add parmesan cheese & a few tablespoons of heavy whipping cream (OPTIONAL).
6. Add pasta in and mix together well.

Now is the time to plate the alfredo & chicken. Growing your garden and not sure what to do with some of the herbs?! Garnish that dish!

Making substitutions for dietary needs

Even better, take pictures and grade it & write notes what you might want to change or substitute for the next time. It's all up to you to decide to make your alfredo sauce thicker and creamier or lighter if it was too much for your gut.

This is a fun recipe to make - with your spouse, with your kids, or an IBD-friendly potluck! I find it fun to find different substitutes. There are so many ways to find substitutions for easy recipes like this - it might take a few to try before you find one you react to well after eating. For the longest time, I could never eat creamy, rich sauces.

Playing around with the substitutes has given me more confidence in the kitchen & the want to keep going, while still finding other recipes from my childhood that IBD has taken away from me.

I hope this gives you some confidence to find a substitute recipe that will help you make some amazing & tasty meals, and maybe even new recipes to try!

Until next time, Bon Appetite!