High Protein Alfredo Bake Recipe

Introduction

This High Protein Alfredo Bake is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, nutritious pasta, and a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a comforting twist on a classic favorite with an added protein boost.

Ingredients

• 8 oz high protein pasta such as chickpea or lentil pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets fresh, or thawed if frozen
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk any kind
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish. Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions, usually 6-8 minutes for chickpea pasta. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large 12-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink in the center and internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5-7 minutes. Add broccoli and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Step 3: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, garlic, chicken broth, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Blend on high for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down sides if needed.
4. Step 4: Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine evenly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese in an even layer.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted with golden spots on top.
7. Step 7: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free high protein pasta if needed to make this dish gluten-free.
• Try swapping broccoli with spinach or asparagus for a different vegetable boost.
• Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
• For extra creaminess, stir in an additional 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Is it necessary to blend the sauce?

Blending the sauce ensures a smooth and creamy texture, but you can also whisk the ingredients well if you prefer a chunkier sauce.

High Protein Alfredo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 92 reviews

This High Protein Alfredo Bake is a nutritious and delicious meal featuring protein-rich chickpea pasta, tender chicken breast, and vibrant broccoli tossed in a creamy, flavorful Alfredo sauce made from cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan. Baked to perfection with a golden mozzarella topping, it’s a satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Pasta and Protein

• 8 oz high protein pasta such as chickpea or lentil pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

• 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or thawed if frozen

Sauce

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk, any kind
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Topping

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Cook the high protein pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend—typically 6-8 minutes for chickpea pasta. Drain and set the pasta aside to cool slightly.
2. Cook the chicken and broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them until they’re no longer pink and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
3. Make the creamy Alfredo sauce: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chicken broth, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Pause once or twice to scrape down the sides if needed.
4. Combine pasta, protein, and sauce: Pour the prepared Alfredo sauce over the cooked chicken and broccoli in the skillet. Add the drained pasta and stir everything together thoroughly until well combined.
5. Assemble and bake: Transfer the combined mixture into the greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top has melted with golden brown spots.
6. Rest and serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the dish set up, making it easier to serve. Serve warm and enjoy your high protein Alfredo bake.

Notes

• You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• For an extra veggie boost, consider adding mushrooms or spinach when cooking the chicken and broccoli.
• Use whole milk or a low-fat milk based on your preference for creaminess and calorie content.
• Ensure not to overcook the pasta during boiling as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.

Keywords: high protein pasta bake, chicken alfredo, healthy pasta casserole, high protein dinner, baking chicken pasta, creamy alfredo bake