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Creamy Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl Recipe

Creamy Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 18 reviews

A delicious and creamy protein-packed pasta bowl featuring tender chicken sausage, sautéed zucchini, fresh spinach, and a light cream cheese sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that combines wholesome ingredients with comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 cup cooked shell pasta (or your favorite shape)

Protein

  • 1 Applegate chicken sausage, sliced

Vegetables

  • 1 small zucchini, sliced
  • 1 handful fresh spinach

Sauce & Seasonings

  • ¼ cup light or reduced-fat cream cheese or Alfredo sauce
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray or 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Sauté Veggies: In a skillet, heat the olive oil or spray. Add sliced zucchini and cook over medium heat until golden and tender. Then add fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add Sausage: Toss in the sliced chicken sausage into the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Combine & Cream It Up: Stir in the cooked pasta and the light cream cheese or Alfredo sauce. Mix everything together thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  5. Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add any fresh herbs you like, such as basil or parsley, for extra flavor. Serve the pasta bowl warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute the chicken sausage with turkey sausage or any preferred protein.
  • Feel free to use any pasta shape you like; whole wheat pasta adds more fiber.
  • For a dairy-free option, replace cream cheese with a plant-based cream alternative.
  • Add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutrition.
  • If using Alfredo sauce, choose a light variety to keep calories lower.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, protein-packed pasta, chicken sausage pasta, healthy pasta bowl, quick dinner recipe, sautéed vegetables, light cream sauce

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/creamy-protein-packed-pasta-bowl-recipe/