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Homemade Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl Recipe

This Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl is a balanced, nutritious meal made with whole wheat pasta, lean chicken, cottage cheese, and fresh vegetables. Delivering over 30g of protein per serving, it’s perfect for meal prep, post-workout fuel, or quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast shredded
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add shredded chicken, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Cook 3–4 minutes until spinach wilts.
  4. Lower heat and stir in cottage cheese, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Notes

Use gluten-free or legume-based pasta for dietary needs. Greek yogurt may replace cottage cheese. Great for meal prep—store up to 3 days refrigerated.