This Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food with a protein-packed twist. It’s a creamy, cheesy dish that’s just as indulgent as it is nutritious, making it the perfect meal for those looking to fuel up with protein.
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cooked and shredded
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (or your preferred high-protein pasta like chickpea pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a higher-protein version)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup low-fat ricotta cheese (adds extra protein)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes on each side). Remove from the pan, let rest for a few minutes, then shred the chicken using two forks.
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Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine the Chicken and Pasta:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and the Alfredo sauce. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 40-45g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
Flavor Tips & Variations:
- For more veggies: Add in spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the Alfredo sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For more protein: Use chickpea or lentil pasta for an extra protein boost.
- For added crunch: Top with crushed almonds or a few extra breadcrumbs before baking.
- Make it lighter: Substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt and reduce the amount of cheese.
