High Protein Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Cheese

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this High Protein Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Cheese—a satisfying dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Made with wholesome whole wheat penne, tender grilled chicken, and vibrant spinach, it’s a protein-packed meal that's perfect for fueling your day. The rich, homemade tomato sauce is infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, while a golden, bubbly layer of Parmesan and mozzarella crowns this oven-finished delight. Best of all, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy families or meal preppers. Enjoy a harmonious balance of hearty, cheesy comfort and robust nutrition that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams Whole wheat penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 large Onion
• 400 grams Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 200 grams Grilled chicken breast
• 100 grams Fresh spinach
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese
• 100 grams Mozzarella cheese

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, mince the garlic and finely chop the onion.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Meanwhile, cut the grilled chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 8

Add the cooked penne pasta and grilled chicken to the tomato sauce, stirring to coat the pasta and chicken thoroughly.

Step 9

Preheat your oven broiler to high.

Step 10

Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with the grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.

Step 11

Place the baking dish under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 12

Remove from the oven, and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your High Protein Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Cheese as a hearty and nutritious meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1346.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2224.3

Total Fat 79.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 301.5mg	0%
Sodium 4671.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 236.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.9g	0%
Total Sugars 37.1g
Protein 141.3g	0%

Vitamin D 16IU	0%
Calcium 1524.5mg	0%
Iron 17.3mg	0%
Potassium 3643.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.2%

Protein: 25.4%

Carbs: 42.5%