High Protein

High-Protein Chicken Zucchini Pasta

Name: High-Protein Chicken Zucchini Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz whole wheat penne or rotini; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced; 2 medium zucchini, spiralized or thinly sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste

Whisk together a quick meal that satisfies. This pasta salad is packed with protein and fresh vegetables, making it ideal for a light lunch or dinner. It's simple to prepare and great for batch cooking to enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

8 oz whole wheat penne or rotini
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
2 medium zucchini, spiralized or thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside.
Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk together remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. Add cooked pasta, chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
Toss gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the dressing coats everything evenly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 15 minutes in a little lemon juice and oregano before cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; the flavors meld beautifully overnight.