Description
Transform your post-workout meal with this high-protein take on a classic Italian-American comfort dish. By swapping traditional wheat pasta for chickpea or lentil-based noodles and using Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-packed sauce, this recipe delivers maximum lean muscle support without the heavy calorie load. Finished with fresh garlic and aged Parmesan, it achieves a rich, savory profile that is as healthy as it is satisfying for any fitness enthusiast.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, skinless and cubed
8 oz chickpea or lentil-based protein pasta
1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup fresh grated aged Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the protein pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and cooked through.
Reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, stirring to lift any browned bits.
Whisk in the Greek yogurt until smooth and heated through (do not boil).
Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until a creamy consistency is formed.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat in the sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use only freshly grated Parmesan to ensure the sauce stays silky and emulsified. For extra greens, stir in baby spinach during the final minute of tossing the pasta. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to reconstitute the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: High Protein Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Modern Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg