Devour 5-Day High-Protein Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Let’s be real, life’s a whirlwind, right? Between work, family, and trying to squeeze in a *tiny* bit of “me time,” eating healthy often falls by the wayside. I used to grab whatever was fastest (usually not the best choice!), but then I discovered the magic of meal prep! And let me tell you about my absolute favorite: High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep.

Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s packed with protein to keep you full and energized, and the garlic parmesan flavor? Forget about it! So yummy! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up a big batch on Sunday and have delicious, healthy lunches or dinners ready to go all week. I’ve been making this for months now, and it’s honestly helped me stay on track with my fitness goals. No more excuses for unhealthy takeout!

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Okay, so why is this my go-to meal prep recipe? Let me break it down:

• Quick to prepare – seriously, it doesn’t take all day!
• Packed with protein to keep you full and happy.
• That garlic parmesan flavor? Ugh, *amazing*.
• Perfect for meal prepping – hello, easy lunches all week!
• It’s a balanced meal, so you can feel good about what you’re eating.

Trust me; you’re gonna love it!

Ingredients for Your High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!

• 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. I like to trim off any extra fat first.
• 1 lb Whole Wheat Penne Pasta (or protein-enriched pasta). Whole wheat gives you extra fiber, but honestly, use whatever pasta you love!
• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This is for sautéing, so don’t use the cheap stuff!
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced finely. Fresh garlic is a MUST. Trust me on this one.
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same, okay?
• 1/4 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth. We’re using this to make the sauce extra creamy.
• 2 cups Broccoli florets, cut into small, even pieces. You can use frozen if that’s what you have on hand!
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning, dried. Adds that perfect Italian flavor.
• Salt to taste.
• Black Pepper to taste.

Got everything? Good! Let’s get cooking!

How to Make High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry; this High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep is easier than it looks! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on deliciousness in no time.

Cooking the Pasta

First things first, let’s get that pasta going! Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions, but make sure you cook it *al dente* – that means it should still have a little bite to it. Nobody likes mushy pasta, right?

Now, this is important: before you drain the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of that pasta water. Trust me, you’ll need it later to make the sauce extra creamy! Drain the pasta and set it aside. To keep it from sticking together, you can toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil. Easy peasy!

Sautéing the Chicken for Your High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

While the pasta’s cooking, let’s tackle the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they’re browned and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) – safety first!

To get the chicken nice and evenly cooked, don’t overcrowd the pan. If you have to, cook it in batches. And don’t be afraid to season it with salt and pepper while it’s cooking! That’s where the flavor starts, y’know?

Creating the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now for the magic! Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for about a minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Careful not to burn it!

Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little bit of that reserved pasta water to thin it out. You want it to be nice and creamy, like a hug in a bowl!

Combining and Seasoning the High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Alright, almost there! Add the cooked pasta and broccoli florets to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until it’s well combined and the pasta and broccoli are coated in that delicious garlic parmesan sauce. Mmm!

Now’s the time to taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed. You can even throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy! Get it just how you like it. This is your High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep masterpiece!

Meal Prepping and Portioning

Last but not least, it’s time to portion out your High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep into individual meal prep containers. Make sure you divide it evenly so you have enough for the whole week!

Before you pop those containers in the fridge, let the pasta cool completely. This is super important! If you put hot food in the fridge, it can raise the temperature inside and mess with the other food. Plus, it can create condensation that makes your pasta soggy. Nobody wants that! Once it’s cool, seal those containers up tight and store them in the refrigerator. You’ve got delicious, healthy meals ready to go for the next five days! How awesome is that?

Tips for the Best High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Wanna take your High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep to the *next level*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your liking.
• Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken! Dry chicken is sad chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
• To prevent the pasta from sticking, toss it with a little olive oil after draining. Works like a charm!
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese really makes a difference in the sauce. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt as nicely.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have the *most amazing* meal prep ever!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or just wanna switch things up? No problem! Here are some easy swaps you can make in your High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep:

• **Pasta:** Not a fan of whole wheat penne? Use regular penne, rotini, or even protein-enriched pasta! Just watch the cooking time.
• **Cheese:** If you don’t have Parmesan, Asiago or Pecorino Romano would also be yummy. Just make sure it’s freshly grated for the best melt!
• **Vegetables:** Broccoli not your thing? No sweat! Asparagus, bell peppers, or even spinach would be delicious in this. Just toss ’em in when you add the broccoli.

See? Super flexible! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep your own!

Frequently Asked Questions About High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Got questions? I got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about my High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep. Let’s clear things up!

How long does this High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep last in the fridge?

Good question! You can safely store this bad boy in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh and delicious!

Can I freeze this High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep?

Hmm, I wouldn’t recommend it. Freezing can change the texture of the pasta, making it a little mushy. It’s still edible, but it won’t be quite as amazing as the freshly made version. Trust me!

Can I use different vegetables in this High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep?

Absolutely! Get creative! Asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini – they all work great! Just toss them in with the broccoli and cook until they’re tender-crisp. Easy peasy!

Is this High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep suitable for a low-carb diet?

Unfortunately, no. Pasta isn’t exactly low-carb. But, you *could* try swapping the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make it more keto-friendly!

Can I make this High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep vegetarian?

Totally! Just swap out the chicken for tofu or chickpeas. They both add a nice boost of protein and taste great with the garlic parmesan sauce. Yum!

Storing and Reheating Your High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Okay, so you’ve prepped your meals – awesome! Now, let’s talk storage. Pop your High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep into airtight containers and stash ’em in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 5 days, easy! When you’re ready to eat, just microwave for a few minutes until heated through. Or, if you’re fancy, reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop! Just add a splash of water or chicken broth if it seems a little dry. Boom! Deliciousness awaits!

Nutritional Information for High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and the nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, etc.). So, any numbers you see aren’t set in stone, okay? Use a calorie tracker for the best estimate!

Enjoyed This High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep?

Did you love this High-Protein Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Meal Prep as much as I do? Then don’t be shy! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Give it a star rating, too! And if you’re feeling extra generous, share it with your friends on social media! Sharing is caring, right?

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