High Protein Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Creamy, indulgent, and packed with protein, this High Protein Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce is the perfect combination of comfort food and nourishment. Made with high-protein penne pasta, tender diced chicken breast, and a luscious homemade sauce featuring sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish satisfies both hearty appetites and nutritional goals. A light roux and low-fat milk create a velvety base for the cheese sauce, while fresh garlic and parsley add savory depth and freshness. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, offering a well-rounded meal that's as delicious as it is wholesome. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts and pasta lovers alike, this cheesy pasta dish is sure to become a new household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams high-protein penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 200 grams chicken breast, diced
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the high-protein penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
Add the cooked penne pasta and sautéed chicken to the cheese sauce, gently stirring until everything is well coated.
Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2860 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 127.4 g | 163% | |
| Saturated Fat | 69.1 g | 345% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 499 mg | 166% | |
| Sodium | 4502 mg | 196% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 222.7 g | 81% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.1 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.2 g | ||
| Protein | 212.9 g | 426% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.4 mcg | 32% | |
| Calcium | 2358 mg | 181% | |
| Iron | 14.8 mg | 82% | |
| Potassium | 1469 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
