Description
Revolutionize meal prep with these High Protein Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bowls! Effortlessly combine perfectly cooked chicken, aromatic garlic, and wholesome pasta for a healthy, quick dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta (e.g., penne, rotini)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook Pasta and Prepare Chicken. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 2: Cook Chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Prepare Garlic Parmesan Sauce. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 4: Combine and Finish Bowls. Add the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and fresh spinach to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately or divide into meal prep containers for later.
Notes
- Store individual portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring a quick and easy meal throughout the week.
- When reheating, a small splash of milk or broth can help restore the creamy sauce texture, especially if using the microwave.
- For an extra burst of freshness and color, garnish your finished bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to thoroughly scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet after cooking the chicken; this "fond" is full of flavor that will create a richer, deeper garlic parmesan sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 2 cups)
- Calories: 570
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Protein: 4g