Protein-packed pasta bowl with grilled chicken, cottage cheese, spinach, and lemon — quick, nourishing 35-minute meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 4.2 oz dry whole-wheat pasta (about 1 1/4 cups)
→ Protein
02 - 7.0 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast (about one medium breast)
03 - 5.3 oz low-fat cottage cheese (about 2/3 cup)
→ Vegetables
04 - 3.5 oz fresh baby spinach (about 3 1/3 cups loosely packed)
05 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
06 - 8 cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
→ Seasonings & Others
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
11 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How-To Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dry pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
02 - Pat the chicken breast dry and season evenly with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper and the dried Italian herbs.
03 - Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the baby spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted. If using, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook another minute to warm through.
05 - Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Stir in the cottage cheese and the reserved 1/4 cup pasta water until the mixture becomes creamy and evenly coated.
06 - Add the sautéed spinach and tomatoes to the pasta along with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and the lemon juice. Toss gently to combine and adjust seasoning with additional black pepper if desired.
07 - Divide the creamy pasta between bowls, top with the sliced grilled chicken, drizzle with a little olive oil if desired and serve immediately.
