Description
This Chicken Creamy Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl is a delicious and nutritious meal featuring high-protein chickpea or lentil pasta tossed in a creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Packed with tender chicken breast, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes, this recipe offers a wholesome, satisfying dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces high protein pasta such as chickpea or lentil pasta
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite size pieces
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup light cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chicken broth, Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and the remaining salt and black pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Toss Pasta and Vegetables: Add the cooked pasta, chopped spinach, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the spinach has wilted.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the pasta if using, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve the creamy chicken pasta warm.
Notes
- You can add steamed broccoli or roasted red peppers for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- For even more protein, stir in a tablespoon of unflavored protein powder or extra Greek yogurt into the sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
