Creamy Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
