High Protein Pasta

This High Protein Pasta is a delicious and filling meal that combines tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese sauce, and flavorful seasonings. Packed with protein, this dish makes a great weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and nutritious. With only 30 minutes of cook time, it’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a hearty, high-protein meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This High Protein Pasta is a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. The creamy cottage cheese sauce pairs wonderfully with the Cajun-seasoned chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Not only is this dish creamy and satisfying, but it also packs a whopping 60 grams of protein per serving, making it ideal for those looking to fuel up with lean protein.

Ingredients

• 8 oz high protein pasta (such as Banza)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or neutral cooking oil of choice)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 (16 oz) container low-fat cottage cheese (2 cups)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

• 1/2 cup milk (2% or preferred)

• 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped (about 1 tsp)

• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (pat dry if packed in oil or rehydrate dehydrated ones with boiling water)

• 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped or torn

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the high-protein pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid (do not forget!), then drain and rinse the pasta well to prevent it from becoming gummy.

2. Cook the chicken:
   While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, Cajun seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, and sauté the chicken until golden on all sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Turn off the heat.

3. Make the sauce:
   In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, and garlic. Blend until smooth.

4. Combine the pasta and chicken:
   Add the cooked pasta and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan with the chicken. Pour the cottage cheese sauce over the top and warm gently over low heat, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.

5. Finish the dish:
   Stir in the spinach a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add More Veggies: Add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to spice it up.

• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cottage cheese and Parmesan substitute for a dairy-free version.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding more pasta water or milk if necessary to rehydrate the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice. For a higher protein content, opt for pasta made with chickpeas or lentils like Banza.

2. Can I use different chicken cuts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or any other cut of chicken you prefer. Just make sure it’s cooked through before combining with the sauce.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms, for a hearty vegetarian option.

4. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cottage cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently when you’re ready to use it.

5. Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes, you can swap the Parmesan with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a different flavor.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to increase the heat and add some spice to the dish.

7. Can I make this dish without the sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, you can omit the sun-dried tomatoes or substitute them with fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor.

8. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Store them in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly when you’re ready to eat.

9. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives for the cottage cheese and Parmesan to make this dish dairy-free.

10. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink inside.

Conclusion

This High Protein Pasta is a perfect weeknight meal that combines comfort, flavor, and nutrition. With creamy cottage cheese sauce, tender Cajun-spiced chicken, and a satisfying amount of protein, it’s a delicious and filling option for anyone looking to fuel up without compromising on taste. Whether served as a main dish or with a side of vegetables, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!

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