High Protein Alfredo Shells (Printer View)

Creamy cottage cheese Alfredo with spinach and turkey stuffed in jumbo pasta shells.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 24 jumbo pasta shells

→ Filling

02 - 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
07 - 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey breast, diced
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce

12 - 1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
13 - 1/2 cup milk
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 2 tablespoons light cream cheese
16 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
17 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
18 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Garnish (optional)

19 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
20 - 1/4 cup diced roasted red peppers

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil pasta shells following package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
03 - Blend cottage cheese, milk, Parmesan, cream cheese, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
04 - Mix cottage cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach, diced turkey, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined.
05 - Spread 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Stuff each shell with 2 tablespoons filling and arrange in the dish.
06 - Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over shells and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
07 - Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
09 - Sprinkle with chopped parsley and diced roasted red peppers before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • High-protein meal ideal for muscle building
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings with family and friends
02 -
  • For a vegetarian version omit turkey and add extra spinach or sautéed mushrooms
  • Swap turkey for ground chicken or lean sausage if preferred
03 -
  • Use low-fat dairy to keep the dish light yet creamy
  • Let the shells cool slightly before filling to prevent tearing
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