Creamy Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl (Recipe for Printing)
Indulgent pasta with velvety sauce, chicken sausage, and fresh vegetables - 30+ grams of protein in just 15 minutes!
# What You’ll Need:
→ Base
01 -
1 cup cooked shell pasta (or preferred short pasta shape)
02 -
1 Applegate chicken sausage, sliced
→ Vegetables
03 -
1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
04 -
1 handful fresh spinach
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 -
¼ cup light cream cheese or Alfredo sauce
06 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
07 -
1 teaspoon olive oil or olive oil spray
# Steps to Prepare:
01 -
Prepare pasta according to package directions in heavily salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini slices and let caramelize for 2-3 minutes per side without stirring constantly. Add spinach and cook just until wilted, about 30 seconds.
03 -
Add sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges begin to crisp and sausage is heated through.
04 -
Reduce heat to low. Add cooked pasta and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir gently until cream cheese melts into a silky sauce, about 2 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
05 -
Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately in deep bowls.
# Helpful Advice:
01 -
For meal prep, store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.
02 -
If sauce appears grainy, keep heat low when adding cream cheese. If separation occurs, whisk in 1 teaspoon cold water or milk.
03 -
Frozen vegetables can be used, but thaw and pat dry thoroughly before cooking to prevent a watery sauce.