High-Protein Cottage Cheese Alfredo Penne
This High-Protein Cottage Cheese Alfredo Penne is creamy, comforting, and packed with protein for a delicious, nutritious weeknight meal.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Blender or Food Processor
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Whole Wheat Penne Pasta
- 1 cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Chicken Broth low-sodium recommended
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 cup Cooked and Diced Chicken Breast
- Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then set aside.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce Base
- In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Seasonings
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to bloom the flavors.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Pasta
- Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the skillet with the garlic and seasonings. Stir to combine and warm the sauce gently over medium-low heat. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Pasta
- Add 1 cup of cooked and diced chicken breast to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Then, add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, protein-packed goodness.
Notes
- Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly to ensure a smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce without lumps.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps thin the sauce and improves sauce adherence to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor and melting quality.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with added broth or water to loosen sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.