Description

What if your favorite pasta dish could wrap you in creamy comfort and keep your health goals cheering from the sidelines? That’s this recipe: born from an epic pantry scramble and a smoky garlic moment, it’s now Harper’s weeknight MVP. With 45g of protein per bowl and under 500 calories, it’s hearty without the heaviness. Best part? It’s ready in 30 minutes—no guilt, no gloom, just pure, paprika-kissed bliss. Whether you’re chasing toddlers or post-gym endorphins, this bowl has your back. Let’s turn cravings into gold!

Ingredients

Scale

600g Skinless Chicken Breast, diced
320g Dry High-Protein Pasta (like Vetta Smart Penne)
1/2 White Onion, diced
4 Garlic Cloves, diced
1 tsp Olive Oil
1 tsp each: Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Thyme, Oregano
2 tsp Smoked Paprika
1.5 tsp Chili Powder (mild or hot)
1 tsp Salt
35g Tomato Purée
250–350ml Chicken Stock
100g Light Cream Cheese or 6 Light Laughing Cow Wedges
Optional: Grated Parmesan or Nutritional Yeast, Dried Parsley

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan. Cook onion and garlic for 3–4 mins until soft.
Add Chicken & Spices: Add chicken and all dry spices. Cook 6–8 mins until browned.
Add Tomato Purée: Stir in purée; cook 1 min to deepen flavor.
Simmer with Stock: Pour in stock and scrape pan. Simmer gently.
Creamy Finish: Reduce heat, add cream cheese. Stir until melted and silky.
Combine: Add cooked pasta. Toss well, simmer 2–3 mins. Adjust sauce with stock or pasta water if needed.

Notes

Cube cream cheese for faster melting.
Taste before serving – smoked paprika can mellow with cooking.
Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, or a dash of chili flakes for kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 485 kcal per serving
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 45g