High Protein Pasta With Chicken

Name: High Protein Pasta With Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g whole wheat pasta; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Everyday Food

I absolutely love preparing this High Protein Pasta with Chicken! It's not just a healthful meal; it's an incredible blend of flavors and textures that come together beautifully. I often find myself juggling between a busy kitchen and my family's appetite, and this dish allows me to serve something nutritious and satisfying in no time. Plus, the vibrant colors make it as pleasant to look at as it is to eat. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!

Created by

Yasmin Thornton

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:06:36.254Z

When experimenting with pasta dishes, I realized the importance of incorporating high-protein ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Using chicken breast not only elevates the protein content but also adds a fantastic depth to the dish. I marinate the chicken in a blend of spices, ensuring it remains juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.

In my experience, pairing this pasta with fresh vegetables not only enhances its nutritional profile but also brings a crunch that complements the soft texture of the pasta. The secret is to cook the pasta al dente and toss everything together just before serving, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with protein to keep you energized and satisfied
Flavorful chicken marinated for juicy perfection
Colorful vegetables add both nutrition and visual appeal

      

Perfectly Cooked Pasta

The key to a great pasta dish lies in the perfect cooking of the pasta. For this High Protein Pasta with Chicken, using whole wheat pasta ensures a hearty texture while also adding fiber. To achieve the ideal al dente texture, monitor your pasta closely as it cooks. I recommend setting a timer for a minute or two less than the package suggests, then taste-testing it. The pasta should be firm yet tender, providing a pleasant bite when mixed with the chicken and veggies later on.

After draining the pasta, consider tossing it with a tiny splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. This adds a touch of flavor and also allows the pasta to absorb the sauce better later on. If you happen to have leftovers, this method helps maintain the quality of the pasta for reheating—no one likes clumpy noodles!

Marinating Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step for infusing robust flavors into the dish. The combination of olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning not only keeps the chicken juicy during cooking but also maximizes taste. Utilize fresh garlic whenever possible; it offers a stronger flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered options. If you're short on time, a quick 10-minute marinade still helps, but for deeper flavor, letting the chicken sit for up to an hour in the marinade works wonders.

You can easily substitute the Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme according to your preference. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish based on what's available or in season, ensuring a unique flavor profile each time you prepare it.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to experiment with vegetables based on personal taste or seasonal availability. Instead of bell peppers and broccoli, consider adding zucchini, asparagus, or spinach. These greens not only enhance the dish's nutrition but also contribute various textures and colors. For added zest, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish and complements the marinated chicken beautifully.

For a heartier version of this meal, consider integrating legumes like chickpeas or white beans, which would further boost the protein content. When serving, a light sprinkle of lemon zest or additional Parmesan can elevate the visual appeal and flavor complexity, making it an elegant presentation that impresses while still being simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Ingredients for High Protein Pasta With Chicken

200g whole wheat pasta
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine diced chicken with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat well and let marinate for 10 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp and vibrant in color.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Serve

Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious high-protein meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish. Additionally, feel free to swap in other high-protein ingredients such as shrimp or tofu to suit your taste.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, this High Protein Pasta with Chicken stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain optimal flavor and texture, it's best to keep the chicken and vegetables separate from the pasta when storing. This way, the pasta won't absorb too much moisture and become mushy during storage.

When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating can be done gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on a lower power setting, covering the dish to keep moisture in, which takes about 2-3 minutes depending on your microwave's wattage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the chicken doesn't cook through in the recommended time, it may be due to uneven sizing of the diced chicken. Ensure that your chicken pieces are uniform, ideally around 1-inch cubes, to promote even cooking. If pieces are larger, consider increasing the cooking time by an additional 2-3 minutes, checking for a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.

In case your pasta seems sticky after combining with the sauce, a little extra water or chicken broth can help loosen the mixture. You can add it gradually to avoid making the dish watery. Just remember to toss everything together well to evenly distribute the sauce and maintain that delightful al dente texture!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pasta other than whole wheat?

Yes, you can use any pasta type you prefer, but whole wheat adds extra nutrients and fiber.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheats beautifully.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to include your favorites like spinach, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

You can substitute with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.