Hey there, food lovers! If you’re craving a creamy, comforting dish that’s both delicious and packed with protein, then this High Protein Creamy Chicken Alfredo is just what you need! This meal is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the rich flavors of chicken alfredo without all the guilt. With 62g of protein per serving, it’s an excellent choice for meal prepping or just a hearty dinner that will keep you fueled and satisfied. Let me show you how to make this creamy, protein-packed dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Method
To begin, cook the chicken by seasoning the diced chicken breast with lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 7-10 minutes, ensuring that it is fully cooked through and golden brown on all sides. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Next, cook the pasta in a separate pot. Bring water to a boil, then cook the Vetta Smart Penne Pasta for just about 5 minutes, which is halfway through the cooking time. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and breaking apart in the next steps. After the pasta is halfway cooked, drain it and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, make the Alfredo sauce. In a blender, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, light cream cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herb seasoning. Blend the ingredients together until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce turns out too thick, simply add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The longer you blend the sauce, the smoother and creamier it will be.
Then, combine everything in the same skillet that you used for the chicken. Add the diced onion and garlic cloves to the skillet and cook them for a few minutes until they become softened and fragrant. Once the onions and garlic are ready, pour in the chicken stock and the prepared Alfredo sauce. Stir the mixture to combine, then let it simmer for 5-7 minutes so the flavors can meld together.Finally, finish the dish by adding the partially cooked pasta and the cooked chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta with the creamy Alfredo sauce and ensure the chicken is evenly distributed. Let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes to make sure it’s all heated through and well mixed. Once done, your High Protein Creamy Chicken Alfredo is ready to serve!
Necessary Tools
- Large skillet for cooking chicken
- Pot for cooking pasta
- Blender for alfredo sauce
- Cooking spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
High Protein Creamy Chicken Alfredo: A Delicious and Nutritious Twist on a Classic
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
960g diced skinless & boneless chicken breast (raw weight)
1 lemon (juiced)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1.5 tsp Italian herb seasoning
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 diced onion
4 diced garlic cloves
90g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
250ml chicken stock
640g pasta (dry weight – Vetta Smart Penne Pasta)
Protein Alfredo Sauce:
500g low fat/fat free cottage cheese
50g light cream cheese
100ml milk
45g Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian herb seasoning
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: Start by seasoning the diced chicken breast with lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown, about 7-10 minutes. Set the cooked chicken aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the Vetta Smart Penne Pasta until it is only halfway cooked, about 5 minutes. This helps prevent the pasta from overcooking and breaking apart in the next steps. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a blender, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, light cream cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herb seasoning. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. Blend the sauce for longer to make it even smoother.
- Combine Everything: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add the diced onion and garlic cloves. Cook for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken stock and the prepared alfredo sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Add the partially cooked pasta and cooked chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well mixed.
Notes
- When cooking the pasta, make sure to cook it only halfway through. This prevents it from becoming too soft and breaking apart in the sauce.When cooking the pasta, make sure to cook it only halfway through. This prevents it from becoming too soft and breaking apart in the sauce.
- If the Alfredo sauce turns out too thick, simply add more milk in small increments until you reach the perfect creamy consistency.
- Be sure to stir the chicken and pasta gently to avoid breaking up the pasta or overcooking the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your High Protein Creamy Chicken Alfredo with a side of steamed broccoli or a light salad for extra veggies and freshness.
- For a fun twist, top with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Alfredo sauce was invented by an Italian chef named Alfredo di Lelio in the early 1900s? He created the rich, creamy sauce as a way to encourage his wife to eat after she was feeling unwell. It quickly became popular and has been a favorite comfort food ever since!
Conclusion
This High Protein Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a perfect balance of creamy, comforting, and nutritious! With 62g of protein per serving, it’s an excellent option for meal prepping or a satisfying dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re looking to fuel up after a workout or just enjoy a delicious meal, this dish will definitely hit the spot. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!
