Creamy Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This creamy protein-packed pasta bowl is a comforting and nutritious dinner option that comes together quickly. With tender pasta, lean sausage, fresh vegetables, and a luscious creamy sauce, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

• 8 oz shell pasta
• 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 oz cream cheese or Alfredo sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini and sauté until golden and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and sauté with the vegetables until heated through and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Stir in the cream cheese or Alfredo sauce gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir well, warm through, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese or a vegan Alfredo sauce.
• Substitute zucchini with bell peppers or asparagus for different flavors and textures.
• Swap chicken sausage for turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative to suit your dietary preferences.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or bow ties. Just adjust cooking time according to the package.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the sausage and add extra vegetables or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to keep it hearty and filling.

Creamy Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 71 reviews

This Creamy Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl combines tender shell pasta with sautéed chicken sausage, fresh zucchini, and spinach, all enveloped in a luscious cream cheese or Alfredo sauce. It’s a quick, comforting dinner option that balances rich creaminess with wholesome protein and vegetables, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta

• 8 oz Shell Pasta

For the Protein

• 12 oz Chicken Sausage, sliced

For the Vegetables

• 1 cup Zucchini, diced
• 2 cups Fresh Spinach

For the Creaminess

• 8 oz Cream Cheese or Alfredo Sauce

For Cooking

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cooking the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil, then add 8 oz shell pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced zucchini and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and tender. Then add 2 cups fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
3. Incorporating the Protein: Add 12 oz sliced chicken sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the sausage is heated through and lightly browned.
4. Bringing It All Together: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sautéed sausage and vegetables. Stir in 8 oz of cream cheese or Alfredo sauce, combining everything well until the pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Notes

• You can substitute shell pasta with any preferred pasta shape like penne or rigatoni.
• Use turkey sausage as a leaner alternative to chicken sausage if desired.
• Zucchini can be replaced with bell peppers or asparagus depending on preference.
• Spinach can be swapped with kale or other leafy greens for extra nutrition.
• For a lighter sauce, use reduced-fat cream cheese or a low-fat Alfredo sauce alternative.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.

Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken sausage pasta, protein packed pasta, easy dinner, one-pan pasta, creamy Alfredo pasta bowl