Looking for a delicious meal packed with protein? This High Protein Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is your answer! With tender grilled chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and protein-rich ingredients, you won’t just enjoy a great dish—you’ll fuel your body too. In this post, I’ll walk you through every step and share tips to make your meal perfect. Let’s dive into this tasty journey together!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 3 cups whole wheat penne pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 ½ cups low-fat Greek yogurt
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only tasty but also healthy. Each serving offers a good balance of protein and carbs. The chicken provides lean protein, while the whole wheat pasta adds fiber. Greek yogurt gives a creamy texture and extra protein. Here’s a quick breakdown for one serving:
– Calories: 400
– Protein: 36g
– Carbohydrates: 50g
– Fat: 10g
– Fiber: 6g
Benefits of High Protein Ingredients
High protein foods help build and repair muscles. They keep you full, which can aid in weight management. Chicken is a great source of lean protein. Greek yogurt offers probiotics for gut health. Whole wheat pasta gives you energy without a sugar spike. Combining these ingredients makes a delicious meal that supports a healthy lifestyle. You can enjoy this meal guilt-free, knowing it fuels your body well. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
To start, marinate the chicken breasts. Mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in.
Grilling the Chicken
Next, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center. Once done, take it off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice it into strips.
Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli
While the chicken grills, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. With 3 minutes left, toss in the broccoli florets. This gives them a quick steam. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together.
Making the Alfredo Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the low-fat Greek yogurt, half of the grated parmesan cheese, and about ¼ cup of pasta water. Stir well until you get a creamy sauce. The yogurt adds protein and keeps it light.
Combining and Serving
Now, add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss everything together until it’s well-coated. Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Finish by sprinkling the remaining parmesan cheese over the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy goodness packed with protein!
Find the [Full Recipe] for all the details on this delicious meal.
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfectly Grill Chicken
To grill chicken just right, start with the right heat. Medium-high heat works best. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and keeps it moist. Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F to be safe. Let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps keep the juices inside. Slice it just before serving for the best taste.
Creating a Creamy Alfredo Sauce
For a creamy Alfredo, Greek yogurt is a game changer. It gives you that rich taste while keeping it healthy. Mix Greek yogurt with parmesan cheese in a bowl. Add a bit of pasta water to thin it out. Stir until smooth. This sauce coats the pasta nicely without being too heavy. You can also add garlic for extra flavor.
Enhancements for Flavor
Add some veggies for color and nutrition. Broccoli florets are a great choice. They cook quickly with the pasta. You can also toss in spinach or peas. For a kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley elevate the dish’s look and taste, too. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten it up. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
For the complete dish, check out the Full Recipe.
Variations
Vegetarian Alternatives
If you want to skip the chicken, you can use veggies. Try adding mushrooms or zucchini. These give a nice texture. You can also use tofu for protein. Just marinate it like the chicken and grill it. This makes a tasty vegetarian dish.
Different Protein Options
You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try shrimp or turkey for a different taste. Even salmon works well. Each adds unique flavors to your pasta. If you like beans, chickpeas are a great option too. They add protein and fiber.
Pasta Substitutes
Not a fan of whole wheat penne? You can use other pasta types. Try gluten-free pasta if you need it. Zucchini noodles are a fun choice too. They are low in carbs but still satisfy. You can even use spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic feel.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your High Protein Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. Place it in the fridge and use it within 3-4 days for the best taste.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, heat them gently. You can use a microwave or a stove. If using a microwave, cover the dish to keep moisture. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you’re using the stove, add a splash of water to keep it creamy. Stir until it’s warm throughout.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the pasta into small containers, leaving space for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal even on busy days!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use different types. Whole wheat penne works well, but feel free to try gluten-free pasta or even zoodles (zucchini noodles). Each pasta type brings its own flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How can I make this dish lower in calories?
To cut calories, use less cheese or switch to low-fat cheese. You can also replace Greek yogurt with low-fat sour cream or skip it altogether. Use less oil when marinating the chicken and serve smaller portions. Adding more veggies can also help fill you up without adding too many calories.
What sides go well with High Protein Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
This dish pairs great with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. A light Caesar salad or roasted zucchini can complement the creamy pasta well. Garlic bread is another popular choice if you want something a bit indulgent.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Your High Protein Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying it out.
What other proteins can be used in this recipe?
You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a veggie option. Each protein brings a different taste and texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose to ensure it’s cooked through. For the full recipe, check out the complete cooking instructions.
This blog shared a great recipe for High Protein Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. We also explored tasty variations and storage info. This dish is healthy and satisfying! It’s easy to make and offers room for your own twists. Enjoy creating your version, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!
![- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 cups whole wheat penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 ½ cups low-fat Greek yogurt - 1 cup grated parmesan cheese - 1 cup broccoli florets - ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish This dish is not only tasty but also healthy. Each serving offers a good balance of protein and carbs. The chicken provides lean protein, while the whole wheat pasta adds fiber. Greek yogurt gives a creamy texture and extra protein. Here's a quick breakdown for one serving: - Calories: 400 - Protein: 36g - Carbohydrates: 50g - Fat: 10g - Fiber: 6g High protein foods help build and repair muscles. They keep you full, which can aid in weight management. Chicken is a great source of lean protein. Greek yogurt offers probiotics for gut health. Whole wheat pasta gives you energy without a sugar spike. Combining these ingredients makes a delicious meal that supports a healthy lifestyle. You can enjoy this meal guilt-free, knowing it fuels your body well. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To start, marinate the chicken breasts. Mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Next, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center. Once done, take it off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice it into strips. While the chicken grills, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. With 3 minutes left, toss in the broccoli florets. This gives them a quick steam. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the low-fat Greek yogurt, half of the grated parmesan cheese, and about ¼ cup of pasta water. Stir well until you get a creamy sauce. The yogurt adds protein and keeps it light. Now, add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss everything together until it's well-coated. Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Finish by sprinkling the remaining parmesan cheese over the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy goodness packed with protein! Find the [Full Recipe] for all the details on this delicious meal. To grill chicken just right, start with the right heat. Medium-high heat works best. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and keeps it moist. Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F to be safe. Let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps keep the juices inside. Slice it just before serving for the best taste. For a creamy Alfredo, Greek yogurt is a game changer. It gives you that rich taste while keeping it healthy. Mix Greek yogurt with parmesan cheese in a bowl. Add a bit of pasta water to thin it out. Stir until smooth. This sauce coats the pasta nicely without being too heavy. You can also add garlic for extra flavor. Add some veggies for color and nutrition. Broccoli florets are a great choice. They cook quickly with the pasta. You can also toss in spinach or peas. For a kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley elevate the dish’s look and taste, too. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten it up. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! For the complete dish, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} If you want to skip the chicken, you can use veggies. Try adding mushrooms or zucchini. These give a nice texture. You can also use tofu for protein. Just marinate it like the chicken and grill it. This makes a tasty vegetarian dish. You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try shrimp or turkey for a different taste. Even salmon works well. Each adds unique flavors to your pasta. If you like beans, chickpeas are a great option too. They add protein and fiber. Not a fan of whole wheat penne? You can use other pasta types. Try gluten-free pasta if you need it. Zucchini noodles are a fun choice too. They are low in carbs but still satisfy. You can even use spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic feel. To keep your High Protein Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. Place it in the fridge and use it within 3-4 days for the best taste. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, heat them gently. You can use a microwave or a stove. If using a microwave, cover the dish to keep moisture. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you're using the stove, add a splash of water to keep it creamy. Stir until it's warm throughout. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the pasta into small containers, leaving space for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal even on busy days! Yes, you can use different types. Whole wheat penne works well, but feel free to try gluten-free pasta or even zoodles (zucchini noodles). Each pasta type brings its own flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. To cut calories, use less cheese or switch to low-fat cheese. You can also replace Greek yogurt with low-fat sour cream or skip it altogether. Use less oil when marinating the chicken and serve smaller portions. Adding more veggies can also help fill you up without adding too many calories. This dish pairs great with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. A light Caesar salad or roasted zucchini can complement the creamy pasta well. Garlic bread is another popular choice if you want something a bit indulgent. Your High Protein Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying it out. You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a veggie option. Each protein brings a different taste and texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose to ensure it's cooked through. For the full recipe, check out the complete cooking instructions. This blog shared a great recipe for High Protein Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. We also explored tasty variations and storage info. This dish is healthy and satisfying! It’s easy to make and offers room for your own twists. Enjoy creating your version, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!](https://grilledflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/8420953c-4e20-4e03-b034-951804560607-300x300.webp)