High Protein Chicken Alfredo Recipe (Meal Prep Jars)
Imagine the rich aroma of high protein chicken alfredo mingling with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort. This dish not only satisfies those creamy pasta cravings but also aligns with your health goals, making it a meal you'll return to time and again.
Servings: 4 jars
Ingredients
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 ⅓ cups cottage cheese I used 2%
- 1 ¼ cups milk of choice almond or regular
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1-2 whole garlic cloves
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch or 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum as a substitute
For the Meal Prep Jars:
- 12 oz cooked chicken diced (about 3 oz per jar)
- 1 cup peas cooked about ¼ cup per jar
- ½ cup roasted peppers drained and diced (sliced, about 2 tablespoons per jar)
- 4 cups cooked gluten-free pasta or protin pasta 12 oz box
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese for garnish (1 tbsp per cup)
- 4 meal prep jars 16-ounce size recommended
- Protein alfredo sauce about ½ cup each jar
Instructions
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, cornstarch, milk, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, and garlic cloves. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium, stirring occasionally. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for about 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat or boil the sauce, as this can cause it to curdle. Stir continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.
Prepare the Gluten-Free Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. You will need about 4 cups cooked pasta.
Assemble the Meal Prep Jars:
- For each of the 4 jars, layer the ingredients as follows: Layer 3 oz of cooked chicken at the bottom of each jar. Top with 3/4-1 cup of cooked gluten-free pasta. Pour ½ cup of Alfredo sauce over the pasta. Add 2 tablespoons of roasted peppers and ¼ cup peas on top. Garnish with 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat for the remaining jars.
Store and Serve:
- Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. When ready to eat, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, toss to combine evenly, and heat until warm. Enjoy
Notes
- For a dairy-free version of this dish, swap out the cottage cheese and milk for a dairy-free alternative like blended silken tofu and unsweetened almond milk.
- Toss in extra greens like fresh spinach or kale for more nutrients and a pop of color.
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a nice kick.
- Meal prep hack! Store in portioned containers for an easy, high-protein lunch throughout the week.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1jar | Calories: 582kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1628mg | Potassium: 465mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 696IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 3mg