Creamy Protein Pasta Bowl Perfection
This Creamy Protein Pasta Bowl is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that's packed with flavor and protein. It features your choice of pasta, lean protein like chicken or tofu, and a luscious Greek yogurt-based sauce, making it a healthy and delicious option for lunch or dinner.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Skillet
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 8 ounces protein pasta penne, rotini, or shells
- Water, for cooking pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and diced or shredded or tofu/chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil if cooking chicken
- Salt and pepper, to taste for chicken
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup milk dairy or non-dairy
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste for sauce
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken (if necessary): If using raw chicken, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook until cooked through and no longer pink inside (about 6-8 minutes per side). Let it cool slightly, then dice or shred. If using pre-cooked chicken, skip this step.
- Prepare Veggies (Optional): Steam or roast broccoli florets. Halve cherry tomatoes and chop spinach.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, milk, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, creamy sauce, and your chosen veggies (if using).
- Toss Gently: Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Creamy Protein Pasta Bowl! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
For best results, use plain, non-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy texture without the extra calories. Adjust the amount of milk in the sauce to achieve your preferred consistency. This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Feel free to substitute any vegetables you prefer, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick upon reheating, add a splash of milk or water before microwaving.