High Protein Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bowls

Comfort in a Bowl

Ever walked into your kitchen craving something creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting? Let’s talk about High Protein Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bowls—your new weeknight favorite that’s so easy, you won’t believe you made it yourself! This dish brings together tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a silky garlic parmesan sauce that will have you weak at the knees. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to whip up. What’s not to love?

Why Make This Recipe

Who doesn’t love a meal that tastes gourmet but doesn’t require a culinary degree? Here’s why you’ll want to whip up these pasta bowls:

  • One-pan magic: Less mess means more time for you (or binge-watching your favorite show).
  • Family-approved: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Pro tip: Hide the veggies in there, and nobody will notice!
  • Affordable: Using simple ingredients means no strain on your wallet, leaving you cash for that extra dessert you know you want. 😉

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

  • 120 g cooked penne or rigatoni
  • 120 g sliced grilled chicken breast
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 30 g light cream cheese
  • 15 g grated parmesan
  • 30 ml unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or spinach (optional)

Directions

  1. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant—trust me, this step gets your taste buds ready for action.
  3. Add in the cream cheese and almond milk, stirring until smooth. Then, mix in the parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Toss in the pasta until it’s coated in that heavenly sauce.
  5. Top with grilled chicken and any optional greens like spinach or parsley for extra color and crunch.
  6. Divide the goodness into meal prep containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

High Protein Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bowls

How to Make High Protein Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bowls (Overview)

Making these pasta bowls is a breeze. Start by cooking your chosen pasta until it’s just right (al dente, remember?). While the pasta cooks, get your garlic sizzling in olive oil—this is where the magic happens! Mix in cream cheese and almond milk, allowing it to turn into a creamy sauce. Toss in the pasta, then top it with sliced grilled chicken and maybe a sprinkle of greens. In no time, you’ve got a delightful bowl that’s ready to impress!

Pro Tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic; it brings out flavors that are pure gold. 💛

How to Serve High Protein Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bowls

These bowls are perfect as is, but why stop there? Serve them with a sprinkle of extra parmesan for that cheese pull we all crave. A fresh green salad on the side adds a splash of color and crunch. And imagine the warm, rich aroma wafting around your kitchen—pure comfort food bliss!

How to Store High Protein Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bowls

Store these delicious pasta bowls in the fridge for up to four days, making them great for meal prep. You can even freeze them for longer storage, but it’s best to skip freezing the garnishes. When ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of almond milk if the sauce needs a little revival.

Tips to Make High Protein Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bowls

  1. Play with the protein: Swap out chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even your favorite plant-based protein for a fun twist.
  2. Amp up the flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy!
  3. Make it creamy: Don’t hesitate to add more cream cheese if you love a rich consistency.
  4. Add greens: Mix in spinach or kale while the pasta cooks to sneak in some extra nutrients.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try making it vegan by swapping the cream cheese for cashew cream and using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to change the flavor profile completely!

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Any gluten-free pasta works just fine.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Just pop it in the microwave or reheat in a pan with a little splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the pasta and sauce, keep them separate until you’re ready to eat for the best texture.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

High protein garlic parmesan pasta bowls with fresh ingredients and cheese

High Protein Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bowls

A creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish featuring tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a silky garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 120 g cooked penne or rigatoni Choose your preferred pasta shape.
  • 120 g sliced grilled chicken breast
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Toasting the garlic enhances the flavor.
  • 30 g light cream cheese Add more for a richer consistency.
  • 15 g grated parmesan Garnish with extra parmesan if desired.
  • 30 ml unsweetened almond milk Substitute with your milk of choice.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or spinach (optional) Add for extra color and crunch.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add in the cream cheese and almond milk, stirring until smooth.
  3. Mix in the parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Toss in the pasta until it’s coated in the sauce.
  2. Top with grilled chicken and optional greens.
Serving
  1. Divide into meal prep containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Notes

Serve with a fresh green salad and a sprinkle of extra parmesan. These pasta bowls are suitable for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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