Boosting Protein In Chicken Alfredo: Creative Ways To Try

Chicken Alfredo is a household favourite, but it's not always the healthiest option. Luckily, there are ways to add more protein to the dish without sacrificing taste. Chicken Alfredo can be made healthier by substituting heavy cream with low-fat milk or vegetable stock, and using Banza pasta, which has 50% more protein than regular pasta. Blended cottage cheese is also a great way to boost the protein content, and it can be combined with milk, cornstarch, parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, pepper, and nutmeg to make a delicious sauce. For an extra protein kick, serve the pasta with a side of broccoli or spinach.

How to add more protein to chicken alfredo pasta

Use Banza pasta

Using Banza pasta is a great way to add more protein to your chicken Alfredo. Banza pasta is made from chickpeas, which are a good source of protein and fiber. In fact, Banza pasta has 50% more protein and three times more fiber than regular pasta. This means that simply by swapping out your regular pasta for Banza, you can increase the protein content of your meal.

Banza pasta is a great option for those who want a more nutrient-dense alternative to traditional pasta. It has a similar taste and texture to regular pasta, so you don't have to sacrifice flavour to increase the nutritional value of your meal.

When cooking with Banza pasta, it's recommended to follow a few simple steps to ensure the best results. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Then, add the Banza pasta and stir, reducing the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta to your desired firmness, stirring frequently, for about 6-8 minutes. You can expect some foaming during this process. Once the pasta is cooked, strain it and rinse it with water.

For chicken Alfredo specifically, Banza pasta is an excellent choice. The extra protein in the Banza pasta complements the protein from the chicken, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal. Additionally, the creamy, cheesy sauce used in chicken Alfredo pairs well with the texture of Banza pasta. The sauce can be trapped in between the coils of the pasta, enhancing the flavour and mouthfeel of the dish.

Overall, using Banza pasta is a delicious and nutritious way to boost the protein content of your chicken Alfredo. With its high protein and fiber content, Banza pasta can help you feel fuller for longer without sacrificing taste or texture. So, if you're looking to add more protein to your chicken Alfredo, consider giving Banza pasta a try!

Add blended cottage cheese

Chicken Alfredo is a delicious and creamy pasta dish, but it can be made even better by adding blended cottage cheese to boost its protein content. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and can be blended into the sauce to create a smooth and creamy texture.

To make this high-protein Chicken Alfredo, start by blending cottage cheese with milk, cornstarch, parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, pepper, and nutmeg. You can also add other spices and seasonings to suit your taste. Blend these ingredients until smooth and set the sauce aside. Next, cook your chicken. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet with olive oil for 5-6 minutes on one side. Once browned, flip and sear for an additional 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Now, it's time to prepare the pasta. Boil the pasta according to the package instructions, remembering to salt the water. Reserve some of the pasta water, about 1/3 to 1 cup, as this can be added to the sauce later to thin it out and create a silky texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

In the same skillet used for cooking the chicken, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and slivered garlic. Sauté until the garlic starts to brown, then pour in the blended cottage cheese sauce. Turn the heat to low and whisk until the sauce is smooth and the parmesan has melted. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add some milk to thin it out. Finally, add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce and toss to coat.

Serve your Chicken Alfredo with a garnish of fresh chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, and parmesan cheese. You can also add broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad to boost the nutritional content of your meal. Enjoy this protein-packed comfort food!

Include chicken stock

Chicken stock is a great way to add more protein to your chicken Alfredo pasta. It is also a good substitute for heavy cream, which is typically used in chicken Alfredo, helping to reduce the calorie and fat content of the dish.

To make chicken Alfredo with chicken stock, start by bringing a large pot of chicken stock or water to a boil. If you're using water, add a chicken bouillon cube or paste, and salt to taste. In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, then add spinach and broccoli. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the broccoli is slightly tender and the spinach is wilted. Remove the veggies from the heat.

Next, combine low-fat cottage cheese, heated cauliflower rice, and grated Parmesan cheese in a blender and blend until smooth. This will be your Alfredo sauce.

Now, add your pasta to the boiling chicken stock and cook according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, return it to the skillet with the veggies and put it on medium-low heat. Add the cooked chicken and some of the pasta water or stock, then pour in your Alfredo sauce and toss to coat evenly.

You can also add chicken stock to your chicken Alfredo by making a simple sauce with it. To do this, heat some oil in a pan and add chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown. In the same pan, add chicken stock along with a tablespoon of flour. Whisk to get rid of any lumps, then add milk and continue whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens. Finally, add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, along with some garlic and herb seasoning.

Using chicken stock in your chicken Alfredo is a delicious way to boost the protein content while reducing the calories and fat, making it a healthier option without compromising on flavor.

Add extra veggies

Chicken Alfredo pasta is a tasty dish that can be made even better with the addition of extra veggies. Broccoli is a popular choice, adding a crisp and healthy element to the creamy pasta. You can also add peppers, especially mini bell peppers, which come in a variety of colours and are easy to slice. Mushrooms are another great option, providing a meaty texture to the dish.

If you're looking for a simple way to boost your vegetable intake, frozen California-blend veggies are a convenient option that can be boiled with the pasta. Alternatively, you can use fresh garden vegetables, but this will add a little extra time to your preparation. Simply start by boiling them in water before adding the pasta for the last few minutes of cooking.

For a more substantial meal, you can add broccoli florets, green beans, and even a simple side salad. If you're feeling adventurous, snap peas, sweet peas, and asparagus can also be tossed into the mix.

When preparing your Chicken Alfredo pasta, don't forget to add some pasta water to your sauce. This helps to thin it out and keep it silky smooth. With these veggie additions, your Chicken Alfredo pasta will not only taste delicious but also provide a nutritious boost to your meal.

Swap chicken for tofu

Chicken Alfredo pasta is a classic comfort food that can be made more nutritious by swapping out the chicken for tofu. This simple substitution boosts the protein content while retaining the creamy, indulgent taste and texture of the original dish.

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a tasty meat alternative with the right seasonings and cooking methods. For this recipe, start by slicing a block of tofu into 3-4 rectangular pieces. Blot them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Next, coat the tofu with grapeseed oil and season generously with salt and poultry seasoning. Massage the seasonings into the tofu and let it marinate for about 10 minutes at room temperature.

Heat up a grill pan to medium-high heat and place the tofu slices on it. Cook each side for around 5 minutes, or until distinct grill marks appear. Once cooked, slice the tofu into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.

Meanwhile, prepare the fettuccine by boiling it in salted water according to the package instructions. Typically, this takes about 7-8 minutes for al dente pasta. Drain the cooked fettuccine and set it aside.

To make the creamy Alfredo sauce, heat a frying pan to medium-high heat and add vegan butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Toss in some diced yellow onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in a splash of white wine and let the alcohol cook off. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in cashew cream.

Combine the cooked fettuccine with the creamy sauce and add pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency. Plate the pasta and top it with the grilled tofu. Garnish with fresh parsley and vegan parmesan cheese, if desired.

This tofu-based Chicken Alfredo pasta is a delicious and satisfying plant-based alternative to the traditional dish, offering a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and flavourful comfort.

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