Want Delicious High Protein Meals? Try This Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta Meal Prep

Want Delicious High Protein Meals? Try This Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta Meal Prep is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 590 calories per serving. Recipe by Jalalsamfit on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 43 min

Cost: $9.75 total, $2.44 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Chicken Breast (about 300 g total, sliced into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Herbs (dried blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon Parsley (fresh, chopped)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Chili Flakes (optional for heat)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided: 2 Tbsp for chicken, 1 Tbsp later)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 0.5 cup Onion (diced, about ½ medium onion)
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce (canned crushed or marinara)
  • 0.5 cup Evaporated Milk (low‑fat)
  • 2 oz Light Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 8 oz Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or any shape; cooked al dente)

Instructions

  1. Season and Cube Chicken

    Slice the chicken breasts into 1‑inch cubes. In a mixing bowl combine chicken, salt, Italian herbs, parsley, chili flakes, garlic powder, paprika and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until evenly coated and the color changes slightly.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sear Chicken

    Heat 2 Tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6‑8 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

    Time: PT8M

  3. Sauté Garlic and Onion

    In the same skillet add the remaining 1 Tbsp butter, then add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Tomato Base

    Season the aromatics with a pinch of salt and pepper, stir, then pour in the tomato sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make Creamy Sauce

    Reduce heat to low. Stir in evaporated milk, softened light cream cheese, and grated Parmesan. Whisk continuously for 3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes thick and glossy.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Mix Pasta and Chicken

    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Return the grilled chicken to the pan and mix for 2 minutes until everything is heated through and evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Plate and Serve

    Divide the pasta among 4 serving bowls, garnish with extra fresh parsley or chili flakes if desired, and serve immediately or let cool for meal‑prep storage.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
590
Protein
45 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: High‑Protein, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Want Delicious High Protein Meals? Try This Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta Meal Prep

Recipe by Jalalsamfit

A creamy, flavorful chicken alfredo pasta packed with protein and only about 590 calories per serving. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal‑prep for the week.

EasyItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.75
Total cost
$2.44
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season and Cube Chicken
  • Sear Chicken
  • Make Creamy Sauce

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and separate cutting board to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven‑mitts or a pot holder when handling the hot skillet.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken alfredo pasta in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

Chicken alfredo is a modern Italian‑American adaptation of the classic Roman Alfredo sauce, which originally used only butter, cream, and Parmesan. Adding grilled chicken makes it a high‑protein, family‑friendly main dish popular in the United States since the mid‑20th century.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken alfredo in Italian cuisine?

A

Traditional Italian cuisine rarely includes chicken in Alfredo; the sauce is usually served with fettuccine and sometimes with seafood. In the United States, grilled or sautéed chicken is added for extra protein, creating the popular chicken alfredo variation.

cultural
Q

How is chicken alfredo traditionally served in Italy versus the United States?

A

In Italy, fettuccine Alfredo is served plain, often with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. In the United States, it is common to top the pasta with sliced or cubed grilled chicken and sometimes garnish with parsley or chili flakes, as shown in this recipe.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken alfredo traditionally associated with in American cuisine?

A

Chicken alfredo is a popular choice for family dinners, pot‑lucks, and casual gatherings because it is comforting, quick to prepare, and can be made in large batches for meal‑prep or buffet‑style serving.

cultural
Q

What makes this high protein grilled chicken alfredo pasta special in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

The recipe combines lean grilled chicken cubes with a creamy sauce made from evaporated milk, light cream cheese, and Parmesan, delivering a high‑protein, lower‑calorie version of a classic comfort dish while keeping the rich, indulgent flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making high protein grilled chicken alfredo pasta?

A

Common errors include overcooking the chicken, which makes it dry; letting the sauce boil, which can cause curdling; and adding too much pasta water, resulting in a thin sauce. Follow the timing cues and stir continuously to keep the sauce smooth.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use evaporated milk and light cream cheese instead of heavy cream?

A

Evaporated milk and light cream cheese provide creaminess with fewer calories and less saturated fat than heavy cream, keeping the dish around 590 calories per serving while still delivering a rich texture.

technical
Q

Can I make this high protein grilled chicken alfredo pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cook the pasta al dente, store the sauce and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, combining the components just before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making the creamy alfredo sauce?

A

The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon without clumps. It thickens slightly after adding the cheese and milk, but remains pourable enough to coat the pasta evenly.

technical
Q

How do I know when the grilled chicken cubes are done cooking?

A

The chicken is done when the pieces are golden brown on the outside, no longer pink inside, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A quick cut into the largest piece will show fully cooked meat.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jalalsamfit specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jalalsamfit focuses on high‑protein, calorie‑controlled meals that are quick to prepare, often featuring grilled meats, wholesome carbs, and meal‑prep friendly recipes for fitness‑oriented home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jalalsamfit's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Jalalsamfit emphasizes nutritional balance, especially protein content, while still delivering classic comfort flavors. The channel often substitutes higher‑fat ingredients with lighter alternatives like evaporated milk and light cream cheese, which sets it apart from traditional Italian cooking channels that use heavy cream and butter.

channel

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