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- 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste) - 1 cup cottage cheese - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) - Whole wheat penne pasta: This pasta adds fiber and complex carbs. It keeps you full longer. - Cooked chicken breast: A great source of lean protein. It helps build and repair muscles. - Greek yogurt: Packed with protein and probiotics. It boosts gut health and adds creaminess. - Buffalo sauce: Adds flavor and spice. It can help enhance your metabolism. - Cottage cheese: High in protein and calcium. It supports bone health and muscle growth. - Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds flavor and calcium. It melts well and makes the dish creamy. - Chopped green onions: They add crunch and freshness. They also have vitamins that support health. - Garlic powder: Adds flavor and may boost the immune system. - Onion powder: Provides flavor and has antioxidants. - Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps with heart health. - Fresh parsley: A nice garnish that adds vitamins and brightens the dish. - Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if you're gluten intolerant. - Chicken: Swap chicken with tofu or beans for a vegetarian option. - Greek yogurt: Use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan choice. - Cottage cheese: Substitute with silken tofu for a creamy vegan texture. - Buffalo sauce: Use a milder sauce if you prefer less heat. - Mozzarella cheese: Try vegan cheese for a dairy-free version. - Green onions: Replace with chives or omit if not available. This section gives you all the ingredients needed for a tasty high-protein buffalo chicken pasta. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish not just flavorful but also nutritious. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the whole wheat penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should be al dente when done. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl. In a large mixing bowl, mix the Greek yogurt and buffalo sauce. Make sure there are no lumps. Then, add the cottage cheese. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for taste. Mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This sauce adds a spicy kick to your dish. Now, it's time to warm the chicken and pasta. In the same pot you used for the pasta, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shredded chicken. Stir it continuously until the chicken is warmed through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, gently fold in the cooked penne pasta. Make sure the chicken and pasta mix well. Carefully pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the chicken and pasta. Using a spatula, fold the ingredients gently. Make sure every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in the creamy sauce. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Fold it into the dish gently. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the cheese melts completely. Finally, take the pot off the heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the buffalo chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To cook pasta perfectly, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once it boils, add the whole wheat penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. When it's done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This helps keep the pasta firm and tasty. To boost flavor, use garlic powder and onion powder. They add a nice depth to the dish. Mix these with Greek yogurt and buffalo sauce for the sauce base. A pinch of salt and pepper also helps. You can adjust the buffalo sauce to your taste. Want it spicier? Add more sauce! For extra zest, don’t forget to toss in chopped green onions. They add a fresh crunch. Making this dish ahead of time is simple. Cook the pasta and chicken as you normally would. Prepare the sauce and mix everything together. Before adding cheese, store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it up. Add the cheese while reheating. This helps it melt evenly. Enjoy this tasty meal on busy days! Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix in some extra Greek yogurt to balance the heat. Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal. Mix in Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider folding in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli when you combine the pasta and sauce. Make it Creamier: If you love a creamier texture, add an extra 1/4 cup of cottage cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce mixture. {{image_4}} Want more heat? You can add extra buffalo sauce to the mix. A dash of cayenne pepper also works well. If you like smoky flavors, try adding smoked paprika. For an even more fiery touch, toss in jalapeño slices. These changes will make your dish a real firecracker! To make this dish vegetarian, swap chicken for lentils or chickpeas. Both options add protein and flavor. For a vegan twist, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Replace Greek yogurt and cottage cheese with vegan versions made from nuts or soy. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious. While whole wheat penne is great, you can explore other pasta shapes. Bowtie, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well too. If you want a gluten-free option, use rice pasta or quinoa pasta. Each type of pasta brings a unique bite to the dish, making it fun to try new things! After enjoying your buffalo chicken pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. This will keep the dish fresh for up to three days. If you have a lot left, separate the pasta and sauce for better storage. This way, each part stays tasty. To reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If using a stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Stir often until it's hot all the way through. You can freeze this pasta for future meals. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it expands when frozen. This meal can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as described above. This dish is packed with protein. Each serving has about 40 grams of protein. The chicken and Greek yogurt add a great deal. Whole wheat pasta also helps boost the protein level. This makes it a filling meal for anyone looking to increase their protein intake. Yes, you can use different cheeses. Cheddar or pepper jack cheese are great options. They add flavor and melt well. You can also try non-dairy cheese if you're vegan. Just make sure it melts nicely for the best texture. To add more heat, increase the buffalo sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Mixing in hot sauce can also elevate the spice level. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat! This post covered ingredients, cooking steps, tips, variations, and storage for the dish. Each ingredient adds unique flavor and health benefits. You can also substitute items for dietary needs. Cooking pasta correctly is key for taste. If you want more spice or a vegetarian option, there are fun twists to try. Remember to store your leftovers right. I hope this helps you make a great meal! Enjoy cooking!

High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish packed with protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, flavored with spicy buffalo sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 0.5 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, meticulously combine the Greek yogurt and buffalo sauce, ensuring no lumps remain. Then, add the cottage cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • Warm the Chicken and Pasta: In the same pot that you cooked the pasta, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shredded chicken, stirring continuously until the chicken is warmed through (about 3-5 minutes). Then, gently fold in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring the chicken and pasta are thoroughly mixed.
  • Combine the Ingredients: Carefully pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the warmed chicken and pasta. Using a spatula, fold the ingredients gently to ensure that every piece of pasta and chicken is well-coated in the spicy, creamy sauce.
  • Incorporate the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Gently fold it into the dish, allowing it to melt and blend in. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the entire mixture is heated through.
  • Final Touches: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  • Garnish and Serve: Dish up the buffalo chicken pasta while it's still piping hot, garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal!

Notes

Adjust the buffalo sauce to your spice preference.
Keyword buffalo chicken, healthy, high-protein, pasta