Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal that’s both high in protein and low in calories? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for High-Protein, Low-Cal Creamy Chicken Pasta. This dish is not only a fantastic option for quick family dinners, but it’s also one of those easy pasta recipes that you can prepare in just 30 minutes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein, making it a great choice for a healthy dinner.
- Low in calories, so you can indulge without the guilt.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile and customizable with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Deliciously creamy, satisfying your cravings for comfort food.
Ingredients
To make this delightful creamy chicken pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 600g Skinless Chicken Breast, diced
- 320g Dry High-Protein Pasta (like Vetta Smart Penne)
- 1/2 White Onion, diced
- 4 Garlic Cloves, diced
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp each: Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Thyme, Oregano
- 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1.5 tsp Chili Powder (mild or hot)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 35g Tomato Purée
- 250–350ml Chicken Stock
- 100g Light Cream Cheese or 6 Light Laughing Cow Wedges
- Optional: Grated Parmesan or Nutritional Yeast, Dried Parsley
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps to create your creamy chicken pasta:
- Cook Pasta: Start by boiling your high-protein pasta until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining it!
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for about 3–4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Add Chicken & Spices: Toss in the diced chicken along with all the dry spices. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Tomato Purée: Stir in the tomato purée and let it cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Simmer with Stock: Pour in the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all those delicious bits. Let it simmer gently.
- Creamy Finish: Reduce the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until it melts and creates a silky sauce.
- Combine: Finally, add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss everything together and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, adjust it with the reserved pasta water or more stock.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your creamy chicken pasta turns out perfectly:
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, for extra nutrition.
- If you love a bit of heat, increase the chili powder or add some red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go; every palate is different!
- For a gourmet touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast on top before serving.
How to Serve
This creamy chicken pasta is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of dried parsley or a dash of extra smoked paprika for a pop of color. Pair it with a fresh side salad or some crusty whole-grain bread for a complete meal. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for another delicious option!
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is great for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken stock or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. If you want to freeze it, I recommend doing so before adding the cream cheese. You can then thaw and finish the dish when you’re ready to enjoy it. For more ideas on high-protein meals, check out my High-Protein Low-Calorie Meals page!
So there you have it! A delightful, creamy chicken pasta that’s not only satisfying but also fits perfectly into your healthy eating plan. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a staple in your home. Happy cooking!
HIGH-PROTEIN, LOW-CAL CREAMY CHICKEN PASTA
Ingredients
Method
- Boil pasta al dente, reserve ½ cup water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil; cook onion and garlic until soft, 3–4 mins.
- Add chicken and spices; cook 6–8 mins until browned.
- Stir in tomato purée; cook 1 min, then add stock and simmer.
- Reduce heat; add cream cheese, stir until melted. Mix in pasta, simmer 2–3 mins. Adjust sauce with stock or pasta water if needed.