Description
This Creamy Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl is a nutritious and delicious meal featuring whole grain pasta tossed with sautéed garlic, onion, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and your choice of cooked chicken breast or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Enriched with creamy ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan, this bowl is both satisfying and wholesome, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz whole grain pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (or canned chickpeas for a vegetarian option)
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
Dairy and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Sauté garlic and onion: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Cook spinach: Stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Add protein: Incorporate the cooked chicken breast or chickpeas into the skillet, mixing well with the vegetables.
- Prepare creamy sauce: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese and Greek yogurt. Add this mixture to the skillet along with the drained pasta and reserved pasta cooking water.
- Combine and heat through: Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the creamy mixture coats the pasta and vegetables well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until heated through.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir briefly to incorporate.
- Serve and garnish: Dish the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh citrus kick.
Notes
- You can swap chicken breast with canned chickpeas to make this dish vegetarian.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to help create a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Use whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Lemon wedges add brightness and enhance the flavors—squeeze just before eating.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds better when mixed with the creamy sauce.
