How to Make High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta in 30 Minutes

Are you ready to whip up a delicious, high-protein meal that the whole family will love? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. If you’re looking for easy pasta recipes that are both satisfying and healthy, you’ve come to the right place!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for 30-minute meals.
• High in protein, thanks to Greek yogurt and chicken.
• Rich, creamy texture that satisfies your cravings.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers.
• Versatile ingredients that can be adjusted to your taste.

Ingredients

To make this delightful pasta dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large roasted red peppers, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps to create your creamy roasted red pepper pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Once the water is boiling, add 2 cups of whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
4. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add 1 medium chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
7. Add 2 large roasted red peppers, peeled and chopped, to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Cook the pepper mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9. Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of low-fat Greek yogurt to the skillet, stirring to incorporate.
10. Pour in 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk and continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
11. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast to the skillet, stirring until both ingredients are fully incorporated.
12. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, then stir the mixture to combine.
13. Add 1/2 cup of shredded cooked chicken breast to the skillet and stir to evenly distribute the chicken throughout the creamy sauce.
14. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
15. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
16. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
17. Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
18. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil over the pasta and give it a final gentle stir.
19. Serve the creamy roasted red pepper pasta immediately, garnished with extra basil or Parmesan, if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your pasta turns out perfectly:

• Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
• For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Make sure to reserve some pasta water; it’s a great way to adjust the sauce consistency.
• Pair this dish with a side salad for a complete meal.
• If you love creamy garlic pasta, consider adding a bit more garlic for an extra flavor boost!

How to Serve

This creamy roasted red pepper pasta is perfect for quick family dinners. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a delightful meal. You can also check out my Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for another delicious option!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can cook the pasta and sauce separately and combine them just before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of almond milk or reserved pasta water to bring back the creaminess. This recipe is not only a fantastic choice for easy yummy dinners healthy, but it also makes for great meal prep!

So there you have it! A delicious, high-protein pasta dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re looking for simple high protein dinner ideas or just a comforting meal, this creamy roasted red pepper pasta is a winner. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t forget to share your results!

High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

A delicious and protein-packed creamy pasta featuring roasted red peppers, Greek yogurt, and chicken, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 2 cups whole wheat pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large roasted red peppers, peeled and chopped

Dairy and Seasonings

• 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 0.5 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Protein

• 0.5 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded

Fresh Herbs

• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped

Method

 

1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent, then add garlic and cook briefly.
3. Add roasted red peppers and cook for a few minutes to meld flavors.
4. Stir in Greek yogurt, almond milk, Parmesan, nutritional yeast, and seasonings; cook until smooth.
5. Mix in shredded chicken, then combine with cooked pasta and garnish with basil before serving.

Notes

Use fresh roasted peppers for best flavor and consider adding extra basil for garnish.