Sometimes you just want a comforting classic that doesn’t skimp on nutrition, and that’s exactly what you get with this High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Imagine fork-tender bites of seasoned chicken, twirled together with a tangy marinara, gooey mozzarella, and a blast of Parmesan—all atop a hearty bed of high-protein pasta. This dish satisfies those cozy Italian cravings while giving you a serious boost of protein, making it perfect for anyone who wants a flavor-packed meal that feels like a treat, but keeps your goals on track.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to pull together such a rich and satisfying meal from just a handful of essential ingredients. Each one has a special job—building layers of flavor, texture, and color that truly make this High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta shine.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: The star protein source, juicy and perfectly diced for every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers classic Italian depth without the fuss of mincing.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and umami to the mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Keeps all the flavors in perfect balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a little kick and warmth.
- 2 cups uncooked whole wheat or high-protein pasta: Chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched pasta takes this from good to greatness in the nutrition department.
- 2 cups marinara sauce (low sugar): The saucy heart of the dish—choose your favorite for the perfect tomato tang.
- 1/2 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to that irresistible creamy stretch everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty burst of flavor on top.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a savory herb blend right into every forkful.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle heat—totally up to you!
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (for garnish): Lively green color and freshness, perfect for finishing.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is a total breeze.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Give a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish a quick mist of nonstick cooking spray. This little move is your insurance policy for a fuss-free, cheesy clean-up later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden. You’ll get deliciously aromatic bites, all infused with seasoning.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your chicken works its magic, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your chosen high-protein pasta—whole wheat, lentil, or chickpea—and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside. This step gives you a chewy, hearty base that carries all the flavors of High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
Step 4: Mix with Marinara
Once the chicken is cooked, pour your marinara sauce over the chicken in the skillet and stir until every piece is coated in tomato goodness. You’ll instantly smell that Italian comfort food aroma that makes this dish so inviting.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Season
Gently fold the drained pasta right into the skillet with the chicken and marinara. Toss everything together so the sauce hugs every strand, then sprinkle Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) across the top for even more zing.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Evenly top your pasta mixture with shredded mozzarella and a heavy hand of Parmesan. Make sure every bite gets some cheese action! Transfer the skillet or casserole dish to your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy!
Freshly chopped basil goes on right before serving, adding the finishing splash of color and flavor that lifts up your High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta to dinnertime hero status.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
This pasta looks and tastes best when finished with a shower of fresh chopped basil, extra Parmesan, or even a sprinkle of toasted panko for crunch. A twist of freshly cracked black pepper also goes a long way in elevating the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta stands well on its own, but a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette or some roasted broccoli or asparagus on the side brings both vibrant color and extra nutrition to your table. If you’re feeling indulgent, a piece of crusty whole grain bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this pasta family-style, piled high in a big baking dish for everyone to dig in, or portion it out into individual oven-to-table ramekins for a touch of elegance. For meal-prep lovers, pack it into airtight containers with extra greens for a ready-to-go lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer the High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or next-day lunches.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! Spoon cooled pasta into airtight, freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay them flat in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
For maximum flavor and meltiness, reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or pop larger amounts into a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven. If the pasta looks a little dry after reheating, just add a splash of marinara or water and stir so it stays perfectly creamy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver. Just shred or dice it, and add it directly to the skillet with the marinara sauce before mixing with the pasta. This shortcut works perfectly for High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
What’s the best high-protein pasta to use?
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched wheat pasta all work wonders. Choose your favorite depending on the texture and protein boost you’re after.
How can I make this dish even higher in protein?
If you want to go the extra mile, stir in half a cup of low-fat cottage cheese before baking, or opt for an extra egg white folded into the marinara for additional protein without changing the flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Most kids love the cheesy, saucy flavors of Chicken Parmesan. If your kids aren’t fans of spice, skip the crushed red pepper flakes for a totally mild dish.
Can I make High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Prepare the dish all the way up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just bake until bubbly and heated through. This makes weeknight dinners deliciously simple.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that ticks all the boxes—comforting, satisfying, and secretly packed with nutrition—this High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta just might become your new go-to. It’s everything you love about Italian night, upgraded with a high-protein twist that fits right into today’s busy, health-conscious life. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and protein-packed dinner with this High Protein Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe. Tender chicken, whole wheat pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses come together for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups uncooked whole wheat or high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (low sugar)
- 1/2 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken in olive oil with seasonings until fully cooked and golden.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Add marinara sauce to the cooked chicken, then mix in the pasta. Sprinkle seasonings and red pepper flakes, top with cheeses.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with basil before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For more protein, add 1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese before baking.
- Choose high-protein pasta for better macros. Use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
