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Lady Maria

Protein Pasta Perfection Bowl

This Protein Pasta Perfection Bowl is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal packed with protein. The creamy sauce, made with reserved pasta water, perfectly coats the pasta and protein of your choice, creating a balanced and flavorful dish that's ready in minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced or 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed for vegetarian option
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or cashew cream for dairy-free option
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free option
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: red pepper flakes
  • Optional toppings: extra Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • knife
  • Mixing spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken (or chickpeas) and cook until lightly browned. If using pre-cooked chicken, just heat through.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or cashew cream) and Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with red pepper flakes and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use butter instead of olive oil. You can also add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors.