High Protein Alfredo Bake: Creamy Comfort Food (Print Version)
Enjoy a satisfying High Protein Alfredo Bake. This creamy, cheesy comfort food delight is packed with flavor and protein, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 lb penne pasta
02 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
→ Velvety Protein-Boosted Alfredo
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
07 -
1/2 cup whole milk
08 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter
09 -
1 cup 2% cottage cheese
10 -
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
→ Aromatic Enhancers & Seasoning
11 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
12 -
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
13 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
14 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Golden Baked Topping
15 -
1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Boil 1 lb penne pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain. While pasta cooks, cut 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
02 -
In the same skillet (or a clean one if preferred), melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
03 -
Pour in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and 1/2 cup whole milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Whisk in 1 cup 2% cottage cheese until mostly smooth. Stir in 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. This forms the creamy base for your High Protein Alfredo Bake: Creamy Comfort Food Delight.
04 -
Remove the sauce from heat. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked penne pasta and chicken to the sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed for your High Protein Alfredo Bake: Creamy Comfort Food Delight.
05 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
06 -
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. For an extra golden crust, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully. This step completes your High Protein Alfredo Bake: Creamy Comfort Food Delight.
07 -
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, protein-packed meal.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even smoother sauce, blend the cottage cheese with a little milk before adding it to the cream mixture.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
03 -
Feel free to swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even lean ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
04 -
Serve this hearty bake with a fresh green salad and some crusty garlic bread to complete the meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
04 -
Whisk
05 -
Cutting board
06 -
Chef's knife
07 -
Measuring cups
08 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 902 kcal
Total Fat: 41 g
Total Carbohydrate: 63 g
Protein: 66 g