High Protein Creamy Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 box Barilla Protein+ Pasta (or similar protein-enriched pasta)
• 1 lb Thin Sliced Chicken Breast (seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika)
• 1.5 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (H-E-B brand mentioned)
• 0.5 cup Cottage Cheese
• 2 tbsp Minced Garlic (divided for sauce and sautéing)
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
• 1 cup Pasta Water (reserved from boiling pasta)
• 1 bag Baby Spinach
• 0.5 Onion (diced for sautéing)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing chicken and aromatics)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the protein pasta and cook according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.

2. 2

   Season the thin-sliced chicken breasts generously with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

3. 3

   In a blender, combine 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 cup reserved pasta water, and desired seasonings (extra garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika). Blend until completely smooth.

4. 4

   Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Sauté diced onions and a portion of the minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Remove the aromatics from the pan and set aside.

5. 5

   In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove chicken from the pan and slice into strips.

6. 6

   Add the bag of baby spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted.

7. 7

   Pour the blended cream sauce into the skillet with the spinach. Stir to combine and heat through gently.

8. 8

   Add the cooked pasta and the sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

The cottage cheese and Greek yogurt provide a high-protein base that mimics a traditional heavy cream sauce without the extra fat. Ensure you blend the sauce thoroughly to remove the cottage cheese texture.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• high-protein
• pasta
• chicken
• healthy
• dinner
• quick-meal