Healthy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Healthy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a lighter, protein-packed version of the classic, featuring tender chicken, whole wheat pasta, and a creamy cottage cheese sauce for a rich yet wholesome flavor!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta tortellini or fettuccine
For the Creamy Cottage Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan optional
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the sliced chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Creamy Cottage Cheese Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cottage cheese, almond milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth and creamy.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt & pepper to taste.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
- Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well-coated with the sauce.
- If needed, add more pasta water to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
Serve and Garnish:
- Divide the pasta and chicken between plates.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, creamy meal!
Notes
- For a richer flavor: You can substitute the almond milk with low-fat milk or a splash of cream for a creamier texture.
- Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cottage cheese and Parmesan alternatives to make this recipe fully dairy-free.
- Add veggies: Feel free to add some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Leftovers: This recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little extra kick in the sauce.