Creamy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
10 oz. Rigatoni pasta
1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. salt
fresh cracked pepper
2 Tbsp. oil from sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded 56g
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes 85g
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups spinach, packed
Instructions
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Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the pasta, cook according to the package instructions.
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Add the chicken, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to a large mixing bowl. Mix to evenly coat the chicken.
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In a large pan over medium heat, add the oil from the sundried tomatoes. Once hot, add the chicken and cook on each side untouched for 3-4 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink.
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While the chicken cooks, add the cottage cheese, broth, garlic powder and oil from the sundried tomatoes in a high speed blender and blend until smooth and the cottage cheese is no longer chunky or chalky, approximately 4-5 minutes.
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Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pan with the chicken, the blended cottage cheese sauce, parmesan cheese, sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to melt the cheese and heat the sauce over medium to medium low heat to avoid clumping.
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Add the spinach and stir to wilt. Serve topped with freshly chopped basil, parmesan cheese and adjust with salt and pepper, as needed
Nutrition
H
Price
10 oz. Rigatoni pasta - $2.29
1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed - $10.48
1/2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning - $8.99
1 tsp. salt
fresh cracked pepper
2 Tbsp. oil from sun-dried tomatoes + 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes 85g - $7.49
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese - $4.49
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth - $2.99
1 tsp. garlic powder - $3.99
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded 56g - $7.99
1 1/2 cups spinach, packed - $3.59
Total price: $52.30
Rating
Price Rating
Total Cost: $52.30
Criteria: The ingredients are moderately priced, with chicken being the highest cost. However, the recipe yields 9 servings, making it a reasonably priced meal per serving.
Explanation: The price per serving is a bit higher than some other recipes, but considering it includes a decent amount of protein and vegetables, it's fair for the portion size. The use of cottage cheese as a base for the sauce adds some value.
Rating: 4.0
Ease of Cooking Rating
Directions Summary: The recipe involves cooking pasta, seasoning and cooking chicken, blending the sauce, and combining everything. It’s fairly straightforward with some multitasking required.
Explanation: The cooking process is relatively easy and doesn’t require advanced skills, though it does involve blending the sauce, which may take some time. The chicken can be cooked quickly, and the pasta is simple.
Rating: 4.0
Meal Prep Usefulness Rating
Calories per Serving: 242
Cost per Serving: ~$5.81
Explanation: This dish is a balanced option with 22g of protein per serving, making it a great choice for meal prep. It will hold up well in the fridge for several days and is easy to reheat. At $5.81 per serving, it’s reasonable for meal prep, especially for those seeking a filling and nutritious meal.
Rating: 4.5
Macronutrient Rating
Per Serving: 22g protein | 26g carbs | 6g fat | 2.5g sugar | 2g saturated fat
Explanation: This dish offers a good amount of protein and carbs, with moderate fat content. The combination of chicken, cottage cheese, and pasta creates a well-rounded macronutrient profile. It’s not extremely high in fat, making it a balanced meal for many diets.
Rating: 4.5