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Creamy protein-packed pasta bowl with chicken sausage and vegetables in white bowl

Creamy Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl

A comforting, high-protein pasta dish with chicken sausage, zucchini, spinach, and cream cheese sauce delivering 30-35g protein per serving
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup shell pasta cooked according to package directions
  • 1 piece Applegate chicken sausage sliced
  • 1 small zucchini sliced into rounds
  • 2 cups fresh spinach loosely packed
  • 1/4 cup light cream cheese or reduced-fat Alfredo sauce
  • 1 tsp olive oil or olive oil spray
  • 1/4 cup pasta water reserved from cooking pasta
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions in heavily salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining. Do not rinse pasta.
  2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini slices in single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown without stirring constantly.
  3. Add spinach to pan and stir until wilted, about 30 seconds.
  4. Add sliced chicken sausage, pushing vegetables to one side. Cook 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and heated through.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add pasta and cream cheese, stirring gently until cream cheese melts into smooth sauce, about 2 minutes. Add pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed.
  6. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

Cook pasta in heavily salted water for best flavor. Don't rinse pasta after draining. Keep heat low when adding cream cheese to prevent breaking. Light cream cheese melts smoother than Alfredo sauce.