Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 500g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for a hint of depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or protein pasta for extra protein)
- Salt (for pasta water)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Additional grated Parmesan
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes for regular pasta, or follow the instructions for protein pasta).
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
-
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, almond milk, Parmesan, garlic, and nutmeg (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more almond milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Pour the sauce into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and cook for 3-4 minutes to warm through.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the olive oil or butter for extra creaminess. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
-
Combine the Dish:
- Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce.
- Serve the pasta onto plates, and top with the sliced chicken breast.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious, protein-packed version of chicken Alfredo!
Tips to Maximize Protein:
- Protein Pasta: Swap regular fettuccine for a protein-enriched pasta, which will add even more protein to the dish.
- Extra Chicken: You can increase the amount of chicken or add additional lean proteins like turkey or even tofu for variety.
- More Parmesan: To increase the protein further, you can add more Parmesan to the sauce or as a topping.