Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup of cooked chicken breast or tofu (for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add your cooked chicken or tofu to the skillet. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish your healthy pasta bowl with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use your preferred pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti for the best experience.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk or almond cream for heavy cream.
- To add more protein, include cooked shrimp, extra chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta to keep it al dente for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: High Protein, Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg