I Made Creamy Alfredo Pasta With 63g of Protein

Ingredients

• 12 oz Chicken Thighs (skinless, boneless; trim excess fat; pat dry)
• 2 Tbsp Taco Seasoning (store‑bought Four Seasonings blend (smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, etc.))
• 160 g Protein Penne Pasta (high‑protein pasta; any shape works but penne is used)
• 150 g Cottage Cheese (2% low‑fat; smooth in blender)
• 85 g Fat‑Free Evaporated Milk (thickened milk; adds creaminess)
• 28 g Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 Chipotle Pepper (canned) (whole pepper, stem removed)
• 1 Tbsp Adobo Sauce (from the same chipotle can)
• ½ tsp Garlic Powder
• ½ tsp Paprika
• ½ tsp Onion Powder
• ¼ tsp Salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Boil Water

   Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the pasta and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

   Time: PT5M

2. Season Chicken Thighs

   Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs, pat dry with paper towels, then coat both sides generously with taco seasoning, making sure every nook is covered.

   Time: PT5M

3. Air Fry Chicken

   Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer in the air‑fryer basket (no overlap). Air fry at 400°F for 15‑20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: 400°F

4. Cook Protein Pasta

   Add 160 g of protein penne to the boiling water, stir, and cook 10‑12 minutes until al dente. Do not rinse; keep the starch on the pasta.

   Time: PT12M

5. Blend Alfredo Sauce

   In a high‑power blender, combine cottage cheese, evaporated milk, grated Parmesan, the whole chipotle pepper (stem removed), 1 Tbsp adobo sauce, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and salt. Blend on high until completely smooth with no lumps.

   Time: PT2M

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Transfer the blended sauce to a large skillet, warm over medium heat for 2‑3 minutes, then add the cooked pasta. Toss vigorously until every tube is coated and the sauce is glossy.

   Time: PT4M

7. Slice Cooked Chicken

   Remove the chicken from the air fryer, let rest for 2 minutes, then slice into long strips.

   Time: PT2M

8. Plate and Garnish

   Divide the creamy pasta between two bowls, top with sliced chicken, and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

625

Protein

63 g

Carbohydrates

65 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

3 g