Description
Creamy Jalapeño Popper Protein Pasta is a high-protein, flavor-packed meal featuring tender pasta, lean chicken, smoky beef bacon, jalapeños, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce inspired by classic jalapeño poppers.
Ingredients
- 12 oz high-protein pasta (or chickpea pasta)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 fresh jalapeños, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken, salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden and fully cooked.
- Add jalapeños and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
- In a blender, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour the blended sauce into the skillet and stir well.
- Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese and cook until melted and creamy.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
- Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Fold in crumbled beef bacon.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and additional jalapeños if desired.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add spinach for extra nutrients.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American