Craving a mouthwatering meal that'll supercharge your nutrition and satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than this High Protein Creamy Chicken Veggie Pasta - the ultimate comfort food that transforms healthy eating into a culinary adventure! Imagine a creamy, dreamy dish that packs a powerful protein punch while delivering restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or simply someone who loves delicious, nutritious meals, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb grilled chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add whole wheat pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, steam broccoli florets in a separate pot or steamer basket for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced grilled chicken breast and warm through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce skillet heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and Greek yogurt, stirring to create a smooth sauce.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the sauce. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Drain cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Gently fold in steamed broccoli florets, ensuring even distribution.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly grilled chicken instead of pre-cooked. The char and seasoning will elevate the entire dish.
- Don't overcook the broccoli! The key is keeping it bright green and slightly crisp to maintain nutrients and texture.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use low-fat Greek yogurt.
- Season your pasta water generously - this is your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- If the sauce seems too thick, reserve some pasta water to help thin and bind the sauce smoothly.
- For extra protein, consider sprinkling some grated Parmesan or adding a handful of toasted pine nuts on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 637kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 49g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 169mg
