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Overhead view of creamy high protein garlic parmesan pasta bowl with whole wheat pasta, silky garlic Parmesan sauce, sliced grilled chicken, and fresh spinach garnish

Creamy High Protein Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bowls

Whole wheat pasta tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce made with cream cheese and almond milk, topped with grilled chicken for 36 grams of protein per bowl. A healthy weeknight dinner ready in 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Meal Prep
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 384
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta alternative
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature before cooking for lump-free sauce
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or regular milk
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated only, not pre-shredded
  • 1 pinch salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup grilled chicken sliced, optional but recommended for full 36g protein per serving
  • 1 handful fresh spinach or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook whole wheat pasta for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden and fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown past golden or it will turn bitter.
  3. Add softened cream cheese and almond milk. Stir continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until the cream cheese fully melts and the mixture is completely smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce looks too thick.
  4. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is silky and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently until every strand is coated in the sauce.
  6. Top with sliced grilled chicken and fresh spinach or parsley. Divide into bowls or meal prep containers and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Notes

Always bring cream cheese to room temperature before cooking to prevent lumps. Use freshly grated Parmesan only as pre-shredded does not melt cleanly. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Store chicken separately from pasta when meal prepping to keep texture fresh through day 4. Reheat over low heat with a splash of almond milk.