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creamy high-protein chicken alfredo with chickpea pasta recipe - Creamy High-Protein Chicken Alfredo with Chickpea Pasta served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Creamy High-Protein Chicken Alfredo with Chickpea Pasta

creamy high-protein chicken alfredo with chickpea pasta recipe made easy at home. This creamy, protein-packed pasta features chickpea rotini and tender chicke
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Chicken
  • 8 oz chickpea rotini pasta or any legume-based pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter or more olive oil
  • 3/4 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt room temperature
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup pasta cooking water reserved
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach roughly chopped
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • to taste extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add chickpea pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal). Transfer to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and butter. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Take skillet off heat and let cool 1 minute. Stir in room-temperature Greek yogurt, Parmesan, and reserved pasta water until smooth and creamy. Return to low heat and warm gently, stirring constantly (do not boil).
  4. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and spinach to the sauce. Toss over low heat until spinach wilts and everything is well-coated, about 2 minutes. If sauce is too thick, thin with a splash more pasta water.
  5. Divide among bowls, garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.