Go Back
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (like penne or fusilli) - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (or tofu for a vegetarian option) - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup ricotta cheese - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish This creamy protein pasta bowl offers a balanced mix of nutrients. Whole wheat pasta gives you fiber, which helps with digestion. Chicken adds lean protein for muscle health. Spinach and cherry tomatoes provide vitamins and antioxidants. Ricotta and Greek yogurt give you calcium and protein. This dish is filling and good for your body. You can swap ingredients based on your needs. For a vegetarian option, use tofu instead of chicken. If you can't find whole wheat pasta, regular pasta works too. You can replace ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or a plant-based cheese. If you want less dairy, skip the Parmesan cheese. Always feel free to mix in your favorite veggies too! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 8 oz whole wheat pasta - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (or tofu) - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup ricotta cheese - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Next, boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta but save a bit of the cooking water. Set the pasta aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant, not burnt. Then, add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. The spinach should wilt and the tomatoes should soften. While the veggies cook, mix the ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is creamy. This will be the heart of your sauce. Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken (or tofu) into the skillet. Pour in the ricotta mixture and toss everything together. Cook until heated through. If your pasta looks dry, add a splash of the saved cooking water. This will help make it creamy. To ensure your dish stays creamy, use whole milk ricotta cheese. It has more fat, which adds richness. The Greek yogurt also helps with creaminess and gives a nice tang. If you want even more creaminess, try adding a bit more olive oil or a splash of heavy cream. Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Lastly, top your creamy pasta bowl with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for extra flavor. Enjoy! Cooking pasta sounds simple, but small changes make a big impact. Start with a large pot of water. Add a generous amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a full boil before adding the pasta. Stir the pasta right after adding it to prevent sticking. Follow the package time for al dente. Taste it a minute before the time is up. Drain the pasta but save a cup of the water. This water can help make your dish creamier later. To boost the flavor of your creamy protein pasta bowl, use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs like basil add bright notes. Sauté fresh garlic until fragrant, but don’t let it burn. A splash of lemon juice adds zing, cutting through the creaminess. If you want warmth, add crushed red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Mixing in grated Parmesan cheese at the end gives a rich finish too. This creamy pasta pairs well with a side salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette is perfect. You can also add garlic bread for a crunchy side. For drinks, try a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon. Both balance the dish's richness. If you want to add more protein, consider serving grilled shrimp or a soft-boiled egg on top. These additions make the meal more filling and delicious! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures that the pasta has a nice bite to it and won't become mushy when mixed with the sauce. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and tomatoes give the dish a vibrant flavor that dried or canned ingredients can't match. Adjust Creaminess: If the dish is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Experiment with Herbs: Try adding different herbs like oregano or thyme for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can customize your creamy protein pasta bowl with various proteins. I often use shredded chicken for its flavor and texture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, tofu works well. Just cube it and sauté until golden. Shrimp is another tasty choice. Cook them until pink and tender. For a plant-based option, add beans like chickpeas or black beans. They provide protein and fiber, making your meal filling and nutritious. You can easily modify the sauce to fit your diet. For a dairy-free version, swap ricotta and Greek yogurt with cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Both options give a creamy texture and rich taste. Use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor without dairy. If you want a vegan sauce, blend soaked cashews with lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of water. This mixture creates a lovely base that pairs well with the pasta. Adding extra vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They add color and crunch. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh touch. For more spice, add red pepper flakes or black pepper to taste. Garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the overall flavor. Feel free to be creative. The more you add, the more delicious and healthy your dish becomes! Store your creamy protein pasta bowl in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Place it in the fridge where it can last for up to three days. If you expect to eat it later, divide it into smaller portions. This makes it easier to reheat. To reheat, use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir the pasta every 30 seconds. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir it over low heat until warm. This helps keep the creamy texture. You can freeze the pasta bowl for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool completely first. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to seal it tightly. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. This way, you’ll enjoy a tasty meal anytime. To make this creamy protein pasta bowl gluten-free, simply swap the whole wheat pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many brands that offer delicious options made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. Always check the package for cooking times, as they can vary. This way, you can still enjoy the same rich flavors without the gluten. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance! Cook the pasta and mix in the sauce before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet or microwave. You may need to add a splash of water or more Greek yogurt to keep it creamy. If you need a substitute for ricotta cheese, you have a few good options. Cottage cheese works well and gives a similar texture. You can also use cream cheese mixed with a little milk to soften it. For a dairy-free choice, try blended tofu or cashew cream. These options will keep your dish creamy and tasty! This blog post covered key elements for a great pasta dish. We delved into ingredients, their nutrition, and useful substitutions. I shared simple steps for preparation and cooking, along with tips for a creamy texture. You learned ways to enhance flavor and pair dishes. The variations offered ideas for proteins, sauces, and add-ins. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating tips. I hope you feel empowered to create your own delicious pasta meals. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen!

Creamy Protein Pasta Bowl

A delicious and nutritious pasta bowl packed with protein and veggies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta (like penne or fusilli)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 cup ricotta cheese
  • 0.25 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • as needed Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped spinach and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, about 3-4 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy.
  • Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken (or tofu) to the skillet, followed by the ricotta mixture. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
  • If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of pasta cooking water to achieve the desired creaminess.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Serve the creamy pasta bowl warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Keyword creamy, healthy, pasta, protein