High Protein Alfredo Bake: Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole (Print Version)
High Protein Alfredo Bake delivers creamy comfort with lean protein. This satisfying pasta casserole is easy to make for a delicious weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
12 oz penne pasta
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1/2 tsp salt
05 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ The Creamy Dream Sauce
06 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
09 -
2 cups whole milk
10 -
1 cup heavy cream
11 -
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 -
1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese
13 -
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
14 -
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
15 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ The Golden Topping & Freshness
16 -
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
17 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Cook 12 oz penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. While pasta cooks, cut 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
02 -
In the same skillet, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for another minute, creating a roux.
03 -
Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. This forms the creamy base for your High Protein Alfredo Bake | Creamy Comfort Food.
04 -
Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese until melted and smooth. Add 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste. The cottage cheese boosts the protein for this High Protein Alfredo Bake | Creamy Comfort Food.
05 -
Add the cooked 12 oz penne pasta and cooked 1 lb chicken pieces to the creamy Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
06 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. This step completes your High Protein Alfredo Bake | Creamy Comfort Food.
07 -
Remove the High Protein Alfredo Bake | Creamy Comfort Food from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for a fresh finish.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer sauce, ensure you whisk continuously when adding milk and cream to prevent lumps. Avoid boiling the Alfredo sauce once cheese is added to prevent separation.
02 -
Leftovers of this High Protein Alfredo Bake | Creamy Comfort Food can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if needed.
03 -
Feel free to customize by adding steamed broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to the bake for extra vegetables. Ground turkey or sausage can also be substituted for chicken.
04 -
Serve this comforting Alfredo bake with a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread to complete a delicious family meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
04 -
Whisk
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Cutting board
08 -
Knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 788 kcal
Total Fat: 41 g
Total Carbohydrate: 54 g
Protein: 49 g