High Protein Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist—this High Protein Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce is a creamy, protein-packed dish that's perfect for any meal. Featuring tender high-protein penne, juicy sautéed chicken, and a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, every bite delivers rich flavor and nourishment. The secret lies in the homemade cheese sauce, thickened to perfection with a roux and infused with garlic and fresh parsley for a gourmet touch. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Whether you're fueling up after a workout or simply craving a delicious meal, this dish satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional goals.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Cook the high-protein penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne pasta and sautéed chicken to the cheese sauce, gently stirring until everything is well coated.

Step 7

Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1265.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2860.3

Total Fat 127.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 499.0mg	0%
Sodium 4502.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 222.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.1g	0%
Total Sugars 28.2g
Protein 212.9g	0%

Vitamin D 256.2IU	0%
Calcium 2357.8mg	0%
Iron 14.8mg	0%
Potassium 1469.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.7%

Protein: 29.5%

Carbs: 30.8%