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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein pasta - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves - Additional cheese for topping Gather these simple ingredients to make Chicken Parmesan Protein Pasta. You start with chicken breasts, which add great protein. Whole wheat or high-protein pasta offers more nutrients and fiber than regular pasta. Marinara sauce gives it a classic taste. The mozzarella and Parmesan cheese add that delicious cheesy flavor. Olive oil keeps everything moist and adds richness. Next, you need seasonings. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning bring out the flavors in the chicken. Salt and pepper are must-haves for seasoning. Finally, you can add fresh basil leaves as a garnish. They look pretty and add a fresh taste. If you love cheese, sprinkle extra on top! This mix of ingredients makes a dish full of flavor and nutrition. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preparing the pot: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt. This helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Place the pot on the stove over high heat. - Boiling and draining the pasta: Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of whole wheat or high-protein pasta. Cook according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, pour the pasta into a colander to drain. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken. - Seasoning technique: While the pasta cooks, take two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your taste. This adds great flavor to the chicken. - Cooking method and timing: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, take the chicken out and let it rest for a bit before slicing it into thin strips. - Integrating pasta and sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup of marinara sauce. Stir gently to warm the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss well to coat everything evenly in the sauce. - Layering for assembly: Grab a baking dish and start layering. Add half of the pasta and sauce mix to the dish. Then, layer half of the sliced chicken on top. Sprinkle half of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the rest of the pasta, chicken, and cheeses. - Baking temperatures and times: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once ready, pop the dish in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Look for the cheese to be melted and bubbly. This means it’s ready to enjoy! - Recommended cooking temperatures: Cook chicken at 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Use a meat thermometer to check the temp. - How to check for doneness: Cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear. No pink means it's done. - Achieving al dente texture: Cook pasta until it has a firm bite. Follow package directions closely. - Tips on pasta alternatives: Try chickpea or lentil pasta for extra protein. These options taste great! - Choosing the right mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture. Shredded mozzarella melts well and is easy to use. - Healthy cheese alternatives: Look for part-skim mozzarella to cut calories. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without the fat. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for whole wheat or high-protein pasta to boost fiber and protein content, making your dish healthier and more satisfying. Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices and ensure it remains tender when sliced. Layering for Flavor: When layering the pasta and chicken, ensure even distribution of cheese and sauce to maximize flavor in every bite. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile, giving your dish a fresh finish. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better with some swaps. Try using zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Zucchini noodles cut carbs and add fiber. They soak up the sauce well, making each bite fresh. You can also choose lower-calorie marinara sauce. Many brands offer tasty options that save calories. Look for sauces with no added sugar or preservatives. This keeps your dish healthy without losing flavor. Want to add more protein? Try using turkey instead of chicken. Ground turkey works great and has a similar taste. Plant-based proteins, like lentils, also fit well in this dish. They add a hearty texture and pack in nutrients. Adding vegetables is another smart move. Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms mix well. These veggies boost the nutritional value and add color to your plate. Plus, they keep every bite exciting and tasty. To shake things up, change the seasonings. Instead of classic Italian herbs, try using Mexican spices. Cumin and chili powder can give a unique twist. A little heat goes a long way, so start with a pinch. You can also mix in fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary. These herbs can create a new flavor experience. They bring a fresh taste that pairs well with chicken and cheese. Don’t be afraid to experiment! To keep your Chicken Parmesan Protein Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. Place the container in the fridge. Your dish will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, it can last for up to 2 months. When reheating in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. Check if it’s warm all the way through. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. It should take 2-3 minutes to get hot. In the fridge, Chicken Parmesan Protein Pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days. After that, it may spoil. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or mold. Always check before eating. If you see any changes, it’s best to throw it away. Protein pasta is made from whole grains or legumes. It has more protein than traditional pasta. This helps build muscle and keeps you full. Benefits of protein pasta over regular pasta: - Higher protein content boosts satiety. - It helps in muscle recovery after workouts. - It is often lower in carbohydrates. - Many brands offer fiber-rich options for better digestion. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful. They have a bit more fat, which adds richness. Differences in flavor and texture: - Chicken thighs are more tender and moist. - They have a stronger chicken flavor. - Breast meat is leaner and cooks faster. - Choose thighs for a heartier dish. Absolutely! Chicken Parmesan Protein Pasta works great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it. Best practices for prepping Chicken Parmesan Protein Pasta: - Cook and assemble the dish fully before storing. - Use airtight containers for freshness. - Reheat portions in the oven for best taste. - Add fresh basil or cheese after reheating for extra flavor. In this post, I covered how to make Chicken Parmesan Protein Pasta. We explored ingredients like chicken, whole wheat pasta, marinara sauce, and cheeses. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for perfecting your dish. Remember, you can swap ingredients and customize flavors to fit your taste. Whether you store leftovers or prepare meals in advance, this dish is versatile and tasty. With these simple guidelines, you can create a meal that is both nourishing and satisfying. Enjoy making this delicious dish!

Chicken Parmesan Protein Pasta

A hearty and delicious pasta dish featuring chicken breasts, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein pasta
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat or protein pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
  • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and pour in the marinara sauce. Stir gently and then add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
  • In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta and sauce mixture. Top with half of the sliced chicken, sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta, chicken, and cheeses.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Feel free to use homemade marinara sauce for a fresher taste.
Keyword chicken, healthy, Parmesan, pasta