Description
A delicious and nutritious High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta featuring tender chicken breast cooked with Italian seasonings, tossed with whole wheat pasta and marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This recipe offers a satisfying meal packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups cooked whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta
Chicken & Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce & Cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (low-sugar preferred)
- ½ cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, then season them with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown on the outside and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Reduce the heat slightly and let the sauce simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add Pasta: Add the cooked whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheeses to melt over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for an aromatic finish. Serve warm and enjoy your high-protein chicken Parmesan pasta!
Notes
- For additional flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in olive oil and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use low-sugar marinara sauce to keep the recipe healthier and control sugar intake.
- Whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta increases the fiber and protein content of the dish.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain cheese texture.
- If dairy is a concern, use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit the cheese for a lighter dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken parmesan pasta, high protein pasta recipe, healthy chicken pasta, whole wheat pasta, easy weeknight dinner
