– **Title**: High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
– 1 cup whole wheat or high-protein pasta (like lentil or chickpea pasta)
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes.
5. In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Mix in the cooked pasta until well combined.
6. Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs, followed by the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Pasta: This adds extra fiber and nutrients. I prefer fusili or rotini for their sauce-holding abilities. If whole wheat isn’t available, regular pasta works too. Just try to pick a shape that captures the sauce well!
Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is a great source of protein. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time! If you’re vegetarian, swap it for lentils or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Marinara Sauce: A store-bought sauce is fine, but homemade can take it up a notch! For a twist, you could also use pesto or Alfredo sauce. Just keep in mind, the flavor profile will change.
Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: I like cottage cheese for its extra protein and creamy texture. Ricotta is also delicious and provides a lighter taste. Choose according to your preference or dietary needs—either works well!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a savory punch. If you can’t find it, pecorino Romano is a good alternative, or for a vegan option, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Dish is Perfectly Baked?
Getting the right bake is key to a great pasta dish! Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Mix your pasta with ingredients until well combined to distribute flavors evenly.
- Don’t skip the breadcrumb topping! It adds a lovely crunch. Ensure it’s evenly distributed for an even texture.
- Keep an eye on the cheese as it bakes—you’re looking for it to be bubbly and golden brown, which usually takes about 25-30 minutes.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps everything set and makes it easier to serve!
High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (fusili or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (and extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this delicious dish is about 45 minutes. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients, including cooking the pasta and mixing everything. Then, it will need around 25-30 minutes in the oven to get bubbly and golden. It’s an easy process, so let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot when you’re ready to bake. Grease your baking dish or oven-safe skillet with a little cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Next, cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the pasta well and set it aside for later.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, cottage cheese (or ricotta), dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently until it’s well mixed. You want all those flavors to blend nicely!
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now, take your pasta mixture and spoon it into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it cooks nicely all around.
5. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and olive oil until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. This mixture will give a nice crunch to your dish!
6. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta dish. Then, add the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This will melt beautifully while it bakes!
7. Bake It:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Look for the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown—this is when it’s perfectly done!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps set everything. Before serving, sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch!
Enjoy your hearty and protein-packed Chicken Parmesan Pasta!
Can I Use Different Pasta Types for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the whole wheat pasta with any type of pasta you prefer, such as gluten-free pasta or regular pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose. Keep an eye on it to ensure it cooks to al dente!
Can I Substitute the Chicken?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have shredded chicken, feel free to use ground turkey, diced tofu for a vegetarian option, or even cooked shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; for example, ground turkey will need to be browned in a pan before mixing with the pasta.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the pasta in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quick option. Just add a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist while reheating!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Sauté them briefly before mixing with the pasta to soften them, or you can mix in some fresh spinach right before baking; it’ll wilt nicely into the dish!
