Creamy Chicken & Spinach High-Protein Pasta Shells

Level up pasta night! This creamy chicken & spinach high protein pasta, uses cottage cheese! A healthy, delicious, and easy family dinner. Get the recipe!

Recipe Introduction: Creamy Chicken & Spinach High-Protein Pasta Shells

Ever feel like you're stuck in a pasta rut? fancy a change? well, say hello to creamy chicken & spinach high-protein pasta shells ! it’s a belter of a dish that'll have you saying "ta-ra" to boring pasta nights.

It's all about flavour, a big protein boost, and that creamy, comforting sauce that just hugs your soul.

This cracking recipe takes a classic and gives it a modern, healthy twist. think italian-american comfort food meets a gym bunny’s dream.

It's super easy and comes together faster than you can say "bob's your uncle!". we're talking 35 minutes tops, and it serves a hearty four portions.

Perfect for a quick family dinner or impressing your mates.

Why This High Protein Pasta Dish Rocks

Honestly, this isn’t just another pasta recipe. this healthy pasta with cottage cheese is packed with protein thanks to ingredients like chicken and high-protein pasta , like banza.

Each serving delivers around 40 grams of protein. great for muscle building and staying full!

It's also a fantastic way to sneak in your greens. and let’s be honest, we could all do with more of those.

This healthy pasta sauce with cottage cheese recipe will make you happy!

From Italy with a Twist

While the origins of pasta are firmly rooted in italy, this particular dish is more of an italian-american creation. it celebrates the love of simple, comforting flavours whilst prioritising that all-important protein hit.

It’s an easy peasy recipe, perfect for a mid-week meal, and ideal for anyone looking for high protein meals with cottage cheese .

Protein Pasta Cottage Cheese ? Absolutely!

Okay, so the original recipe calls for cream, but if you're after a super healthy pasta with cottage cheese swap, you totally can! it adds a lovely tang and bumps up the protein even more.

It's worth giving a go!

Grab Your Ingredients!

Right, now we've got you drooling. it's time to gather your bits and bobs. you'll need high protein pasta recipes cottage cheese ingredients like chicken, spinach, onions, garlic, and of course, your high protein pasta shells.

Let's get cooking!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this awesome Creamy Chicken & Spinach High-Protein Pasta dish! I promise, it's easier than putting on your slippers after a long day.

Ingredients & Equipment

This ain't rocket science, but having the right bits and bobs makes all the difference. Trust me.

Main Ingredients

Here’s the shopping list, love. Make sure you get decent quality chicken; nobody wants rubbery bird.

• For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz (340g) high protein pasta shells (like Banza – seriously good stuff). I found this one to be the best protein pasta option.
  • Water, enough to properly boil the pasta.
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil.
  • 1 tsp (5g) salt.
• For the Chicken & Sauce:
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil.
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed.
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt.
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper.
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup/115g).
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 8 oz (225g) sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button).
  • 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) chicken broth.
  • 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) heavy cream (or half-and-half).
  • 5 oz (140g) fresh spinach, chopped.
  • 1/4 cup ( 25g ) grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).

When looking at the chicken, go for the stuff that looks pink and plump, not pale and sad. and those banza shells? game changer for a healthy pasta with cottage cheese experience.

I use it all the time in my high protein meals with cottage cheese recipes.

Seasoning Notes

The right herbs and spices can really lift a dish.

• Essential spice combo: Salt and pepper are your foundation, obviously.
• Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth.
• Substitutions: No garlic? A pinch of garlic powder will do in a pinch. You can always go for a dash of herbs or a healthy pasta sauce with cottage cheese based alternative.

Adding fresh lemon juice at the end really brightens things up. Don't skip it!

Equipment Needed

Nothing too fancy needed here. Promise.

• Essential tools: Large pot, skillet, colander. The usual suspects.
• Alternatives: Don’t have a colander? A large sieve will do the trick.

Honestly, cottage cheese pasta dishes are so simple. you could probably make this with your eyes closed after a few tries, but, uh, don't do that.

Seriously. and if you're looking to explore more high protein pasta recipes cottage cheese is a brilliant addition.

There you have it! the ingredient lowdown and a peek into the equipment you will be using for the recipe; get ready to make some truly amazing protein pasta cottage cheese .

Happy cooking!

Alright, let's chat about whipping up something seriously tasty. i’m talking about creamy chicken & spinach high-protein pasta shells . it is a game-changer, innit? imagine classic comfort food, but levelled up for the fitness fanatics amongst us.

This recipe makes pasta night feel less like a cheat meal and more like a smart choice.

Cooking Method

Prep Steps - Let's Get Organised!

Okay, so, mise en place – fancy french for "get your act together." first things first, get everything prepped.

Chop your onion, mince your garlic, cube your chicken. honestly, it saves so much faffing about later.

Time-saving tip? get your other half, your flatmate, even the dog, to do some of the chopping. alright, maybe not the dog.

Safety first, yeah? seriously though, sharp knives are no joke. don't be a hero. cut away from yourself.

Step-by-Step - Dead Easy, Promise

1. Cook the high protein pasta: chuck your 12 oz high protein pasta shells (banza is great) into boiling water. add a tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil and a teaspoon (5g) of salt.

   Cook until al dente – about 8- 10 minutes usually, but follow the packet instructions, yeah? drain, but keep hold of about a half cup of that starchy pasta water.

2. Sauté the chicken: heat 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. season your 1 lb (450g) of chicken with 1/2 tsp (3g) salt and 1/4 tsp (1g) pepper.

   Cook it until it's cooked through, roughly 5- 7 minutes .

3. Aromatics time : in the same pan, chuck in your chopped onion (1/2 medium) and soften it. then add 2 minced cloves of garlic and the sliced mushrooms (8oz/225g) .

   Cook until the mushrooms are golden brown.

4. Sauce magic: pour in 1/2 cup (120ml) of chicken broth and scrape up all those tasty bits from the bottom of the pan.

   Add 1/2 cup (120ml) of heavy cream and your chopped spinach (5oz/140g). cook until the spinach wilts, roughly 2- 3 minutes.

5. The grand finale: add the chicken back to the pan, then chuck in your cooked pasta and 1/4 cup (25g) of parmesan cheese .

   Toss it all together, adding pasta water if it needs a bit of loosening up. stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice .

6. Serve : Dish it up, sprinkle with more Parmesan, and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy!

Pro Tips - Secret Weapons

Honestly? don't overcook the pasta. seriously, nobody likes mushy pasta. keep that pasta water. it's liquid gold for thickening your sauce.

And don't overcrowd the pan when you're cooking the chicken. it'll steam instead of brown and no one wants that.

A common mistake? forgetting to taste and adjust your seasoning. salt, pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes… it's all up to you, darling.

Make-ahead? you can cook the chicken and chop the veg beforehand. store them in separate containers in the fridge. it is a healthy pasta with cottage cheese as substitution for cream

Right, that's it! Hope you give this a go. Let me know what you think! Honestly, this high protein pasta dish is a proper winner for a mid-week meal. Enjoy, yeah?

I reckon it could become one of your favorite high protein meals with cottage cheese when used as a substitution for the heavy cream or parmesan to make a healthy pasta sauce with cottage cheese

Alright, here's the "Recipe Notes" section, proper chuffed to share it with you!

Recipe Notes

Honestly, sometimes the little things make a massive difference. So, before you dive in to this Creamy Chicken & Spinach High Protein Pasta shells, have a butchers at these bits and bobs.

Serving It Up Just Right

Plating and presentation, yeah? i reckon this cottage cheese pasta looks smashing in a shallow bowl, topped with a generous grating of parmesan.

For sides, i always go for a bit of garlic bread to mop up all that lovely sauce. and to drink? a nice, crisp pinot grigio pairs beautifully.

Fancy!

Storing Like a Pro

If you've got any leftovers, pop them in the fridge, in an airtight container, within two hours of cooking. it will keep for up to three days.

Don't leave it out on the side, yeah?

Freezing this is a bit hit-and-miss, to be honest. the sauce can sometimes split when you reheat it. but if you must, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.

Defrost fully before reheating thoroughly in a saucepan until piping hot.

Twist It Your Way

Feeling adventurous? How about some sun-dried tomatoes and basil for a Mediterranean vibe? Or fancy some Protein Pasta Recipes ?

For a dairy-free version of this Healthy Pasta Sauce With Cottage Cheese use lactose-free cream or cashew cream.

Plus, switch chicken for shrimp or sausage if you're feeling it. Leftover High Protein Meals With Cottage Cheese could find its way in here, too.

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Each serving is about 450 calories with a whopping 40g of protein. boom! you're also looking at around 20g of fat and 35g of carbs.

The high protein pasta adds a decent whack of fiber, too – about 10g. so, a good source of high protein pasta cottage cheese and you're onto a winner.

Cottage Cheese Recipes Healthy can be found if you search for our Healthy Pasta With Cottage Cheese recipes!

Right, Off You Pop!

There you have it! a protein pasta cottage cheese dream. now, go on, give it a go! even if it doesn’t come out perfectly the first time (who cares?), you’ve still made something delicious.

Get experimenting and, most importantly, have a laugh. and hey, if you tweak it to make the best high protein pasta recipes cottage cheese don't forget to let me know! cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is high protein pasta, and how is it different from regular pasta?

High protein pasta, like Banza which is made from chickpeas, is a fantastic way to boost your protein intake. Unlike traditional pasta made primarily from wheat flour, these alternatives are packed with protein and fiber, offering a more balanced and satisfying meal. Think of it as pasta that actually helps you hit your fitness goals – bish, bash, bosh!

Can I use regular pasta instead of high protein pasta in this Creamy Chicken & Spinach recipe?

You absolutely can, but keep in mind it will alter the nutritional profile of the dish. Using regular pasta will significantly reduce the protein content per serving. If you're after that extra protein punch, sticking with a high protein pasta like Banza is the way to go; otherwise, just adjust your expectations - still tasty, just less gains!

How do I store leftover creamy high protein pasta, and how long will it last?

Store any leftover Creamy Chicken & Spinach High Protein Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will typically last for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce, as the pasta tends to absorb moisture as it sits. A little tip from the pro: reheating slowly is always better and adding a small amount of the original liquid makes all the difference!

My sauce is too thick! What can I do to thin out the creamy high protein pasta?

No worries, it happens to the best of us! The easiest solution is to add a splash of the reserved pasta water or some extra chicken broth. Stir it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, you can always add more liquid, but you can't take it away, so proceed with caution like you are navigating a tricky roundabout!

I'm dairy-free. Are there any swaps I can make in this high protein pasta recipe?

Absolutely! To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream (unsweetened). You can also swap the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Just remember to adjust the seasonings as needed, and Bob's your uncle!

What other vegetables can I add to this high protein pasta dish to make it even healthier?

Feel free to load up on the veggies! Bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli florets, or even some chopped kale would all work wonderfully in this dish. Add them to the skillet along with the mushrooms and onions, adjusting the cooking time as needed depending on the vegetable. Think of it as a blank canvas - get creative, and don't be shy about bulking up the fiber and vitamins!

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