Delight your taste buds with this scrumptious High Protein Chicken Alfredo Recipe, a deliciously creamy twist on a classic that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Packed with protein-rich chicken and enriched with a creamy cottage cheese base, this dish transforms typically indulgent Alfredo into a healthier meal without sacrificing any flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein Powerhouse: This dish is brimming with protein, thanks to the combination of tender chicken thighs and a clever use of cottage cheese.
- Creamy Indulgence: Enjoy the classic, creamy texture of Alfredo without the typical guilt, making it a win-win for your taste buds and health goals.
- Quick and Easy: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a satisfying weekend treat.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to fit your personal taste or dietary preferences with a variety of variations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this High Protein Chicken Alfredo Recipe are simple yet classic, each playing a key role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and creaminess. These essentials are all you need to elevate your Alfredo dish to a nutritious delight.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to brown the chicken to perfection.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Offers a moist and flavorful protein source.
- Salt and Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all other flavors.
- Fettuccine: The perfect pasta type to hold the creamy sauce.
- Cottage Cheese: Blended smooth to mimic cream, providing a protein-rich alternative.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: Aged Parmesan brings umami depth and traditional Alfredo taste.
- Garlic: Aromatic and savory, a critical component of authentic Alfredo.
- Milk: Helps to blend the sauce into smooth perfection.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds color and a hint of freshness to brighten the dish.
Variations
This High Protein Chicken Alfredo Recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to tweak it to suit your mood, dietary requirements, or available ingredients. Here are a few delicious ideas to inspire you.
- Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with mushrooms or eggplant for a plant-based twist that’s equally satisfying.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with Sriracha to spice things up for those who love a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free fettuccine to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and cracked black pepper, then sear them in the hot oil. This involves cooking them for about 5-6 minutes on one side until browned, then flipping and searing for another 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. This ensures that your pasta is ready to soak up the creamy sauce as soon as you’re finished.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board to rest while you blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and slivered garlic. Sauté the garlic until golden, then add the blended cottage cheese, 1 cup of Parmigiano Reggiano, and milk. Reduce heat to low and whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Garnish
Once the sauce is blended, slice the rested chicken and stir it back into the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything to ensure it’s evenly coated with sauce. Top with an additional sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano, parsley, and a touch of pepper for garnish.
Pro Tips for Making High Protein Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Searing Success: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a beautiful browned crust.
- Blend Smoothly: To get the creamiest sauce, blend the cottage cheese thoroughly until it’s completely smooth.
- Pasta Timing: Cook pasta just before the sauce is ready to allow for seamless integration and maximum absorption.
- Flavor Boost: Taste the sauce once mixed and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and more cheese for the extra creamy factor.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance each plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a twist of cracked black pepper. This final touch not only adds visual appeal but also a fresh note that complements the creamy richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
Serve this luxurious high protein chicken Alfredo with a side of garlic bread or a fresh, crisp Caesar salad. These sides provide a perfect balance, ensuring your meal is both comforting and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Alfredo in a shallow bowl to keep the pasta warm, and top each portion with a nest of additional Parmesan curls using a vegetable peeler. Or, try twirling the pasta into neat nests for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When sealing, try to minimize air exposure to preserve the creamy texture as much as possible.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers, ensuring the pasta is completely coated in sauce to avoid freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating
Gently reheat refrigerated or thawed portions in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast can be a leaner option, though it can dry out more easily, so monitor the cooking time closely.
-
What can I use as a dairy-free substitute?
Try using a dairy-free spreadable cheese product or a nut-based cream as a substitute for cottage cheese and milk.
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Should I use fresh or dried pasta?
Either works well! Fresh pasta will offer a more tender bite, while dried pasta gives a chewy texture—it depends on your preference.
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How can I make the sauce thicker?
For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer in the pan a bit longer, stirring frequently, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
Final Thoughts
Give this High Protein Chicken Alfredo Recipe a try; it’s not only delightfully comforting but also packed with nourishing ingredients. Invite your family and friends over for a cozy meal that’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s taste buds!
PrintHigh Protein Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This high-protein chicken alfredo recipe combines tender, seared chicken thighs with creamy cottage cheese sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine, resulting in a rich, satisfying meal packed with protein, flavor, and creaminess. It’s a healthier twist on traditional Alfredo, using cottage cheese to boost the protein content while maintaining a smooth, decadent texture.
Ingredients
Protein & Chicken
- 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Pasta & Sauce
- 12 ounces fettuccine
- 16 ounces cottage cheese, blended until smooth
- 4 cloves garlic, slivered
- 1.25 cups Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, shredded, divided
- 1/2 cup milk
Additional
- 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Add 2 teaspoons olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot and glistening, add the chicken. Sear for about 5-6 minutes on one side until golden, then flip and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove from pan and let rest.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Once rested, transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, thinly slice the chicken into strips.
- Make Sauce: Place cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend for 3-5 minutes until smooth and creamy. In the same skillet used for chicken, add another 2 teaspoons olive oil and sauté slivered garlic until fragrant and slightly browned, about 1 minute. Pour in the blended cottage cheese, 1 cup of Parmesan, and milk. Turn heat to low and whisk continuously until Parmesan is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until everything is coated evenly. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and additional cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash more milk or blend the cottage cheese longer.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For added flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or freshly grated nutmeg.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta to keep it from becoming mushy once combined with the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 125mg