Protein-rich pasta with grilled chicken, cottage cheese and wilted spinach, ready in 35 minutes for two.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 1/4 cups whole-wheat pasta, uncooked
→ Protein
02 - 7 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 medium breast)
03 - 2/3 cup low-fat cottage cheese
→ Vegetables
04 - 3 1/3 cups fresh baby spinach, 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 fine salt, divided
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 - 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
13 - Additional freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Method:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package timing. Reserve 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
02 - Pat the chicken breast dry and season evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and the dried Italian seasoning.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate, let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
04 - Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté 20–30 seconds until fragrant. Add the baby spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until just wilted. If using, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook an additional minute to soften.
05 - Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Stir in the low-fat cottage cheese and the reserved 1/4 cup pasta water, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated and a creamy consistency is achieved.
06 - Fold the sautéed spinach and tomatoes into the creamy pasta. Add the tablespoon of lemon juice and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; toss gently to combine.
07 - Top the pasta and greens with the sliced grilled chicken. Adjust seasoning with additional black pepper and a light drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.
