High Protein Chicken Pasta Bowl

Name: High Protein Chicken Pasta Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz whole wheat pasta; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Healthy Meals Favorites

I absolutely love creating dishes that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This High Protein Chicken Pasta Bowl has become one of my favorites, as it combines tender chicken with hearty pasta and vibrant vegetables, all in one bowl. It's a well-balanced meal that fuels my workouts and keeps me satisfied throughout the day. Each bite bursts with flavor and the best part is it's quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead.

Created by

June Weatherby

Last updated on 2026-02-15T07:37:36.521Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easily you can whip up a wholesome meal in under 35 minutes. The combination of protein-rich chicken and whole wheat pasta not only keeps me full but also packs a nutritional punch that supports my active lifestyle. I often experiment with different vegetables to keep things fresh and exciting.

One tip I’ve learned is to marinate the chicken briefly in olive oil and spices before cooking; this enhances the flavor and tenderness beautifully. It’s a simple step, but it truly elevates the dish. Plus, serving it in a bowl makes it easy to mix and match your favorite toppings!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
High protein content for sustained energy and muscle recovery
Versatile and customizable with your favorite veggies
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy lifestyles

Choosing the Right Pasta

When selecting pasta for this High Protein Chicken Pasta Bowl, opting for whole wheat pasta is key. Whole wheat pasta offers more fiber and nutrients than traditional white pasta, enhancing the dish's health benefits. I recommend using shapes like rotini or penne, which hold onto the sauce and complement the texture of the chicken and vegetables nicely.

Cooking your pasta to the perfect al dente texture is crucial to ensure it holds up when combined with the other ingredients. Be sure to taste a piece a minute or two before the package instructions say it's done; it should be firm yet tender. This slight undercooking helps the pasta absorb flavors from the sauce and prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed in.

Perfecting the Chicken

For the chicken, uniform size in the diced pieces ensures even cooking. Aim for pieces that are about 1-inch in size, which will cook through in roughly 6-8 minutes over medium heat. If you're short on time, consider using pre-cooked grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken; just add it in with the vegetables to heat through.

Don’t skip the seasoning on the chicken! Using Italian seasoning adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Feel free to experiment with spices like garlic powder or paprika for a bit of heat. Also, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken; this helps to achieve a nice golden brown on the pieces, enhancing both the flavor and the overall presentation of the dish.

Customizing Your Bowl

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out the vegetables according to what’s in season or what you have on hand. I often substitute asparagus for the zucchini or add spinach for extra greens. Just remember that firmer veggies like bell peppers should be added first, while softer ones, like spinach, can be added towards the end of sautéing.

For added richness, consider incorporating a splash of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of pesto right before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a glossy finish that makes the dish visually appealing. Lastly, if you're aiming for a creamier texture, you can stir in a bit of cream or Greek yogurt just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bowl

8 oz whole wheat pasta
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.

Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss with the chicken and vegetables. Adjust seasoning as necessary. Remove from heat.

Serve

Divide the pasta bowl into servings. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This High Protein Chicken Pasta Bowl is an excellent recipe for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and sauté the vegetables in advance, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook the pasta fresh and toss everything together. This keeps the pasta from becoming soggy.

If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to prevent sticking and promote even heating. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pasta turns out too sticky, it may have been overcooked or not tossed with enough olive oil after draining. Make sure to follow the cooking time closely and add a drizzle of oil right after draining to keep the pasta from clumping together.

If the chicken isn't browning, your skillet may not be hot enough. Preheat the pan beforehand and ensure that you’re not overcrowding it; cooking in batches may be necessary to achieve that perfect sear on every piece.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable. If you're cooking for a larger group, simply double or triple the ingredients, adjusting the size of your skillet accordingly. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, to maintain high heat and get that nice browning.

When scaling up, consider adjusting the seasoning slightly, as larger quantities may require more spices to equalize flavors across the components. Always taste as you go to ensure the right balance, especially with salt and pepper.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite pasta, whether it's gluten-free or regular.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

You can add any vegetables you like, such as spinach, broccoli, or carrots. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This pasta bowl can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It makes for a great meal prep option since it stores well and can easily be portioned out for the week.