High Protein Creamy Lemon Pasta
Indulge in the perfect blend of tangy, creamy, and wholesome with this High Protein Creamy Lemon Pasta! Featuring tender slices of seasoned chicken breast, hearty whole wheat pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sauce made from low-fat Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parmesan, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. The addition of vibrant spinach and aromatic fresh basil brings a burst of color and flavor, while the zing of lemon zest elevates every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this balanced meal delivers on protein, fiber, and freshness, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for the entire family. Serve it with a dash of extra parmesan, and you’ve got a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams chicken breast
- 250 grams whole wheat pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Begin by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips and season them with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In the same pan you used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked chicken and spinach to the sauce, stirring until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the pan, tossing to evenly coat the pasta.
Add the chopped fresh basil and mix well.
Serve immediately with an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1643 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.5 g | 84% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.1 g | 110% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 423 mg | 141% | |
| Sodium | 4671 mg | 203% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.2 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.1 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.1 g | ||
| Protein | 168.1 g | 336% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.2 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 932 mg | 72% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 2279 mg | 48% | |
*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.
