Go Back
Creamy protein-packed pasta bowl with chicken spinach and tomatoes
Protein Meal Studio

Creamy Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl

A creamy protein-packed pasta bowl made with pasta, chicken, cottage cheese sauce, vegetables, and simple seasonings for an easy 30-minute meal-prep friendly dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces high-protein pasta
  • 1 pound cooked chicken breast sliced or shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Creamy Protein Sauce
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Optional Toppings
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon extra parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Blender
  • 1 Strainer
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Add cottage cheese, milk, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian seasoning to a blender.
  3. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add spinach and cherry tomatoes, then cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach softens.
  6. Add cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet.
  7. Pour in the creamy protein sauce and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
  9. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  10. Serve warm with parsley, parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Approximate nutrition per serving: 480 calories, 42g protein, 46g carbohydrates, 15g fat, and 4g fiber. Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands, substitutions, and portion size.