Creamy Ranch Protein Pasta (Printer-Friendly Version)

A creamy ranch pasta with fresh veggies and protein for a tasty, wholesome dish that's quick to prepare.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 225g dry chickpea pasta or high-protein pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup raw broccoli, chopped
03 - 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
04 - 120g cucumber, diced
05 - 1.5 cups coleslaw mix

→ Cheese & Yeast

06 - 60ml nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese

→ Chicken

07 - 2 chicken breasts (approximately 425g)
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
10 - ¼ teaspoon paprika
11 - ¼ teaspoon salt
12 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Dressing

13 - 180ml plain Greek yogurt
14 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
15 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
16 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool.
02 - Season chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill or bake until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 74°C. Allow to cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
03 - In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise if using, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
04 - In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped chicken, broccoli, bell pepper, cucumber, nutritional yeast or parmesan, and coleslaw mix.
05 - Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - Rinsing the pasta after cooking prevents clumping and helps maintain a fresh texture.
02 - Chilling the salad enhances flavor integration and texture.
03 - Add dressing just before serving when preparing in advance to avoid sogginess.