Introduction

This High Protein Alfredo Bake is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and high-protein pasta in a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, offering comfort and nourishment in every bite.

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with a baked pasta casserole on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth underneath. The dish has three main layers: at the bottom, a bed of spiral pasta with a light cream color and soft texture; in the middle, bright green broccoli florets are mixed evenly with the pasta, adding a fresh and vibrant contrast; on top, there are golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken scattered around, partially covered by a melted layer of creamy white cheese that spreads across the surface and has a slightly bubbly and browned appearance in spots. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz high protein pasta such as chickpea or lentil pasta
1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or thawed if frozen
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup milk, any kind
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions (usually 6-8 minutes for chickpea pasta). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5-7 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 3: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chicken broth, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high for 45-60 seconds until smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides if needed.
Step 4: Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Add the cooked pasta and stir everything together until evenly combined.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden in spots. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce before blending.
Swap the chicken for cooked turkey or sausage to vary the protein source.
Use cauliflower florets instead of broccoli for a different vegetable option.
Try whole milk or a milk alternative like almond milk depending on dietary preference, but avoid flavored varieties.
Add a handful of fresh spinach before baking for more greens.

Storage

Store leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the unbaked mixture in a suitable dish and bake it directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.

How to Serve

The dish is a baked pasta casserole served in a white oval ceramic dish with handles. The bottom layer is golden baked pasta mixed with chunks of light brown cooked chicken. On top of this, there are bright green broccoli florets scattered evenly throughout. The entire casserole is covered with a melted, creamy white cheese layer that looks lightly browned in some spots. The texture shows a mix of gooey cheese stretches and crisp edges with the pasta and broccoli peeking through. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of high protein pasta?

Yes, regular pasta works fine. Just cook it according to package directions and reduce pasta cooking time slightly if you prefer a firmer texture for baking.

Is it necessary to blend the sauce ingredients?

Blending ensures a creamy, smooth Alfredo sauce that coats the ingredients well. If you don’t have a blender, you can whisk the ingredients vigorously, but the texture may be slightly less smooth.