If you are craving a meal that combines comfort food vibes with a powerful protein punch, then you are going to adore this High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. Imagine tender, crispy-baked chicken pieces nestled in a luxuriously creamy pasta sauce made from cottage cheese and marinara, all tossed with hearty high-protein pasta. This dish is the perfect way to satisfy your Italian-American food cravings while keeping your meal nutritious and packed with muscle-building protein. It’s a home-cooked winner that feels indulgent without the guilt, making weeknights extra special and meal prep a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but absolutely essential to create the rich flavors, satisfying textures, and beautiful colors that make this recipe sing. Each component has a purpose, whether it’s adding protein, crispiness, or creaminess.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 pound): The lean protein superstar of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect baking and mixing.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick of warmth.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings those classic herby notes that remind you of a traditional chicken parmesan.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the chicken with savory depth without overpowering.
- Egg whites (2 large): Helps the breadcrumb coating stick perfectly for that crispy outer layer.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): Creates the all-important crunchy coating on the chicken pieces.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, plus more for serving): Mixed into the panko for extra flavor and also a tasty finishing touch.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps crisp the chicken in the oven.
- High-protein pasta (12 ounces): I recommend chickpea pasta or any protein-enriched penne or rotini to boost the meal’s nutrition.
- Marinara sauce (1 cup): Provides that familiar tangy richness that balances the creamy elements.
- Low-fat cottage cheese (1 cup): The secret ingredient that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and adds a serious protein boost.
- Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the pasta for cheesy, gooey indulgence.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a fresh herbal brightness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and preparing your baking sheet with cooking spray or parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder so every bite is bursting with flavor from the start. This seasoning blend is key to ensuring the chicken remains flavorful, even after baking.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken for Crispiness
Whisk the egg whites in one bowl, and in another, combine the panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg whites to moisten, then roll it in the panko mixture to coat perfectly. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on your sheet pan, and lightly drizzle olive oil over them to help achieve that irresistible golden crunch in the oven.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken pieces for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them once halfway through cooking. You want them fully cooked through and with a crispy exterior that gives the dish its signature texture punch. For extra crunch, a quick broil of 1 to 2 minutes at the end will elevate the crispiness, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 4: Cook the High-Protein Pasta
While the chicken is baking, cook your high-protein pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Properly cooked pasta provides the right bite that complements the creamy sauce and tender chicken perfectly. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case your sauce needs thinning later.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cottage Cheese Sauce
Blend the cottage cheese and marinara sauce until smooth, either with a blender or immersion blender. This silky, creamy sauce is the heart of this recipe’s unique twist — it’s wonderfully rich without relying on heavy cream or excess cheese. Warm the sauce gently on medium-low heat in a large skillet or pot, stirring often to keep it luscious and smooth.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese
Add the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, then throw in the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until it melts fully and creates a beautifully creamy texture that envelops every strand or piece of pasta. This melding of flavors and textures is where the magic really happens.
Step 7: Fold in the Crispy Chicken and Finish
Finally, fold the golden baked chicken into the creamy pasta mixture. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if you like for a vibrant, fresh finish. Serve warm, and offer extra Parmesan for those who want a bit more cheesy goodness.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only add a pop of color but also brighten the slightly rich flavors, balancing each bite. A sprinkle of more grated Parmesan cheese on top delivers an authentic finishing touch that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and filling on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables keeps the meal fresh and well-rounded. Garlic bread or crusty whole-grain loaves also complement this meal perfectly if you want to add some carb variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in large shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant sauce and golden chicken pieces. Adding a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few basil leaves on top before serving elevates the presentation. For meal prep, portion into individual containers with a basil leaf placed on top for a restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness. The flavors even deepen a bit, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but I recommend freezing the chicken separately from the pasta and sauce for best texture preservation. Place chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze pasta mixture in another. Both will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until warmed through. Add a tablespoon or two of water or pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage to restore its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of high-protein pasta?
Absolutely! While high-protein pasta boosts the nutritional profile, any pasta you prefer will work great. Just keep in mind protein content will be a bit lower.
Is cottage cheese necessary in the sauce?
The cottage cheese adds creaminess and extra protein without heaviness. If you don’t have it, you could try ricotta or a blend of cream cheese and milk, but cottage cheese really keeps it light and nutritious.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives. You may want to experiment with blending silken tofu and tomato sauce to mimic the creamy sauce texture.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Definitely! Just be sure to use a large enough baking sheet or two trays for the chicken, and a big pot for the pasta and sauce. Cooking times remain about the same.
What is the best way to get extra crispy chicken?
After baking, switch your oven to broil and crisp the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Using panko mixed with Parmesan already helps achieve a great crunchy coating.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe a try. It brilliantly combines comfort and nutrition in one delicious bowl, making it a perfect weeknight winner or meal prep favorite. Once you taste that crispy chicken mixed with creamy, cheesy pasta, you’ll understand why this recipe feels like a hug in food form. Get ready to make it a staple in your kitchen!
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High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious, nutritious twist on a classic Italian-American favorite. Featuring crispy baked chicken bites coated in a savory Parmesan-panko crust, combined with high-protein pasta and a creamy cottage cheese marinara sauce, this recipe offers a satisfying, protein-packed meal perfect for dinner or meal prep. With fresh herbs and gooey melted mozzarella, it’s an ultimate comfort dish that balances indulgence with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if desired
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces high-protein pasta (such as chickpea pasta or protein-enriched penne/rotini)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (1% or 2%)
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly coat a sheet pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: In a mixing bowl, season the chicken pieces with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to infuse flavor.
- Prepare Coatings: Whisk the egg whites in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the egg whites, then coat thoroughly with the panko-Parmesan mixture. Arrange the coated chicken evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Lightly drizzle with olive oil or spray to help crisp the coating during baking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until cooked through and crispy on the outside.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken bakes, cook the high-protein pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Blend the cottage cheese and marinara sauce until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. Pour the sauce into a large skillet or pot over medium-low heat and warm it, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce mixture, then add shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Add Chicken and Serve: Fold the baked chicken pieces into the pasta and sauce mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm with extra grated Parmesan on top if you like.
Notes
- For extra crunch, broil the baked chicken for 1 to 2 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning.
- If your marinara sauce is very thick, thin it with 2 to 4 tablespoons of pasta cooking water to reach desired consistency.
- To reduce sodium content, opt for lower-sodium marinara sauce and cottage cheese varieties.
- For the coating, you can substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed high-protein crackers or almond flour; the texture will differ slightly.
