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High-protein tomato pasta with chicken & spinach

A delicious high protein cream tomato pasta sauce with chicken & spinach recipe.
Print Recipe
2 Bowls of High-protein tomato pasta with chicken & spinach
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil dividend
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • Pinch of chilli flakes optional and add more if you like it spicy
  • 2 x 400gm tins of chopped peeled tomatoes
  • 2 tsp sugar optional
  • 200 gms smooth low-fat cottage cheese
  • 15 gms fresh basil chopped
  • 100 gms baby spinach leaves or normal roughly chopped
  • 250 gms San Remo gluten-free penne
  • 3 skinless boneless chicken breasts cooked how you would like to see notes
  • 30 gm parmesan freshly grated to serve
  • Sea salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium to large pot and sauté the onions until softened and translucent. About 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and pinch of chilli and cook for about 30 seconds.
  • Add the 2 tins of tomatoes and season the sauce well with salt and pepper. Cook on a gentle heat for 45 minutes.
  • While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add a generous amount of salt (1 tablespoon for 5 litres of water).
  • Cook the pasta according to the pack's instructions and to the level of al dente you prefer.
  • Cook the chicken in advance either grilling, pan frying, oven or air frying. Brush the breasts with the second tablespoon of olive oil and cook as desired. Remember to season well with any of your favourite seasonings such as garlic powder, salt, herbs etc.
  • If you are wanting a smoother sauce, blitz the sauce with a stick blender. Alternatively, leave it chunky.
  • Add the smooth cottage cheese to the sauce and stir to combine.
  • Add the shredded basil and chopped spinach and simmer for about 3 minutes on low until cooked.
  • Add the chopped chicken and cooked pasta and heat through as needed.
  • Check to season and add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Dish up 4 generous bowls and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

To cook the chicken breast in the air fryer, flatten slightly, brush or spray lightly with olive oil and season well with your seasonings of choice such as Italian herbs, garlic or onion powder, salt and pepper. Cook at 180C/350F for 13 – 15 minutes depending on the thickness
Servings: 4
Author: Sam Linsell