Description
This Creamy Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl is a nutritious and satisfying meal that combines whole wheat penne with tender chicken, white beans, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a rich Greek yogurt and Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, it offers a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup canned white beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until they become slightly tender.
- Add Protein: Stir in the diced cooked chicken and rinsed white beans, heating them through evenly with the vegetables in the skillet.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, low-sodium chicken broth, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low, then stir in the cooked pasta and pour the creamy sauce over everything. Toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
- Finish with Lemon and Heat: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is warmed through, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute chickpeas for white beans to vary the texture and flavor.
- For convenience, rotisserie chicken can be used instead of cooking chicken breast from scratch.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the chicken and increase the amount of beans or add sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick.
