Name: High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein pasta; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1/2 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt (optional); Chopped fresh basil for garnish

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High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the kind of kitchen superstar that feels indulgent and comforting, but still keeps things healthy and energizing. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, heaps of gooey cheese, and perfectly sauced pasta, all packed with protein to fuel your day. This dish takes a classic Italian-American favorite and lovingly gives it a nutritious, weeknight-friendly upgrade, so you can enjoy bold flavors and a satisfying meal—without any of the guilt.

High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta pulls its weight, whether it’s building a hearty base, bringing vibrant color, or adding that signature cheesy finish. Best of all, you’ll likely have most of these essentials ready to go in your pantry or fridge—making this recipe as easy as it is flavorful.

Whole wheat or high-protein pasta: Picks up sauce beautifully while giving each bite a major protein punch.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Diced for quick cooking and a lean, meaty texture in every forkful.
Olive oil: Adds healthy richness and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
Salt: Enhances all those savory flavors and balances the dish.
Black pepper: Delivers a subtle warmth and depth.
Garlic powder: For effortless all-over garlicky goodness, without chopping.
Italian seasoning: Brings in that unmistakable herby complexity.
Marinara sauce: The saucy backbone, always bright and tomatoey.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that iconic, irresistible melt and stretch.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Packs a sharp, salty hit that ties everything together.
Low-fat cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt (optional): An easy way to supercharge the protein factor and make the sauce extra creamy.
Chopped fresh basil: A fresh, aromatic finish that makes every serving feel restaurant-worthy.

How to Make High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start with your favorite whole wheat or high-protein pasta—chickpea and lentil-based pastas both work beautifully for this recipe. Cook them in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, so they still have a little bite. Make sure to reserve a quarter cup of the starchy cooking water before draining; this liquid gold will help the sauce cling to every noodle later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While your pasta’s bubbling away, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season it confidently with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is crisp around the edges and cooked through—no pink means it’s ready for the next step!

Step 3: Get Saucy

Turn the heat down to low and pour in the marinara sauce right over the chicken. If you’re aiming for the extra protein kick, now’s the perfect time to stir in the cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. This gives the sauce a luxurious, creamy texture while quietly sneaking in more nutrition. Let everything in the skillet get cozy and warm.

Step 4: Toss Together

Add your cooked pasta and that reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together until every noodle is generously bathed in sauce and the flavors start to mingle. The starch in the reserved water will help bind everything, making your High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta delightfully cohesive and luscious.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Here comes the magic: sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until they melt and the sauce turns creamy and slightly gooey—everything you crave in a good chicken parmesan pasta. The aroma right now is pure comfort!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Slide your finished High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta onto plates or bowls, then scatter with lots of fresh chopped basil. The color and fragrance instantly brighten up the dish and give it a true Italian finish. Serve right away and enjoy the melty, hearty result!

How to Serve High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

Sweet, peppery fresh basil is classic, but don’t be afraid to toss on some extra Parmesan or even a scattering of chopped parsley for more color. Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. These finishing touches make the High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta feel like something you’d find at your favorite trattoria.

Side Dishes

Garlicky roasted broccoli or a crisp green salad sprinkled with cherry tomatoes are wonderful partners for this flavorful pasta. A chunk of whole grain bread on the side is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and brings the whole meal together, giving you both balance and big Italian energy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta in individual cast iron skillets for a fun, bistro-style vibe. Or, pile it into a big family-style platter and garnish with a dramatic, oversized basil sprig. If you’re packing lunch, layer it into glass containers for the ultimate meal prep flex—so good-looking and practical!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors always deepen by the next day, making leftovers something you’ll honestly look forward to at lunchtime.

Freezing

For make-ahead magic, you can freeze single servings (or the whole batch) in freezer-safe containers. Just let the pasta cool completely before freezing and be sure to use within 2 months for best flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two (or three!), reheat your high protein chicken parmesan pasta in the microwave or a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra marinara to loosen it up. Stir well and heat until piping hot—the cheese gets all melty again!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it from scratch?

Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to make this dish even faster. Just add it at the same point you would the cooked chicken, and proceed as usual.

What pasta shape works best for High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta?

Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli grab onto all the sauce and chicken bites, but honestly, any shape you love will work. Just aim for whole wheat or high-protein varieties to keep the nutritional boost.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free, high-protein variety, like ones made from brown rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. The rest of the ingredients are gluten-free as written!

Can I add more veggies to the dish?

Definitely! Toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach, some roasted zucchini, or bell peppers right before mixing the pasta into the sauce. It’s a delicious way to increase both nutrients and flavor without much extra effort.

Is there a dairy-free alternative I can use?

If you need to skip dairy, try using your favorite plant-based cheeses, and replace the cottage cheese or Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative. The dish will stay creamy and satisfying without compromising on protein or flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that fits in with your healthy eating goals, you really can’t go wrong with High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta. It’s warm, cheesy, and endlessly satisfying—plus, ridiculously easy to make. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a regular star on your dinner table!

High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a satisfying and protein-packed meal with this High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe. Tender chicken, nutritious whole wheat pasta, and a rich marinara sauce come together to create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 oz whole wheat or high-protein pasta

Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce and Cheese:

2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt (optional)
Chopped fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Chicken: Brown diced chicken in olive oil with seasonings until cooked through.
Combine: Mix in marinara sauce, optional cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, and cooked pasta. Stir in cheeses until melted.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy hot.