Experience the ultimate comfort food with a nutritious twist in our High Protein Cheesy Pasta Delight! This mouthwatering recipe combines whole wheat pasta, juicy chicken breast, and creamy cottage cheese to deliver a tantalizing blend of flavors that's packed with protein—perfect for fitness enthusiasts or anyone seeking a wholesome, satisfying meal. A rich Parmesan-infused cheese sauce, accented with garlic, spinach, and aromatic dried basil, coats every strand of pasta, creating an irresistibly indulgent dish. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, this hearty recipe makes four servings of creamy pasta goodness, ideal for a family dinner or meal prep. Elevate your pasta night with this wholesome, protein-packed delight that proves healthy can be delicious! Keywords: high-protein pasta, creamy pasta, healthy dinner recipes, cheesy chicken pasta.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and a pinch of salt to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breast with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and half of the dried basil.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Remove and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil, followed by minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the spinach leaves to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Lower the heat, add the cottage cheese, low-fat milk, grated Parmesan cheese, remaining basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir frequently until the cheese sauce is smooth and well combined.
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the cheesy sauce, tossing everything together gently to ensure the pasta is fully coated and ingredients are evenly distributed.
Serve immediately hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Calories |
1451 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.7 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.7 g | 103% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 336 mg | 112% | |
| Sodium | 4753 mg | 207% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 95.3 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.2 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.6 g | ||
| Protein | 137.9 g | 276% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 992 mg | 76% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 1961 mg | 42% | |
*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.