Pasta with Chicken — Calories & Nutrition
520
kcal
per serving
42g
Protein
55g
Carbs
11g
Fat
4g
Fiber
Nutrition data from USDA FoodData Central · Per 1 serving · Values are estimates
📏 Adjust servings
1
serving
520
kcal
42g
Protein
55g
Carbs
11g
Fat
4g
Fiber
🛒 Ingredients (1 serving)
- Pasta (penne or fusilli, dry)80g
- Chicken breast (raw)150g
- Cherry tomatoes150g
- Garlic3 cloves
- Olive oil1 tbsp
- Parmesan cheese15g
- Fresh basilhandful
- Salt and pepperto taste
- Red pepper flakespinch
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (usually 1–2 minutes less than stated). Reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.💡 Pasta water contains starch that helps sauce adhere to pasta — don't skip saving it.
- 2While pasta cooks, cut chicken breast into 2cm pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through (no pink). Remove and set aside.
- 4In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook 4–5 minutes until softened and slightly jammy.
- 5Add drained pasta and chicken to the pan. Add 2–3 tbsp pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss well over medium heat 1 minute.
- 6Remove from heat. Add torn fresh basil and grated parmesan. Toss once more. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories in pasta with chicken?
80g dry pasta + 150g chicken breast + tomatoes + olive oil + parmesan: approximately 520 kcal, 42g protein, 55g carbs and 11g fat.
Is pasta with chicken healthy?
Yes — this meal provides complete protein, complex carbohydrates for energy and lycopene from tomatoes. It's a nutritionally balanced meal suitable for most diets including weight loss and muscle building.
How much protein in pasta with chicken?
150g raw chicken breast (cooking to ~120g) provides approximately 37g protein. The full dish with parmesan totals approximately 42g protein.
Is pasta good for weight loss?
Pasta in controlled portions can fit a weight-loss diet. 80g dry pasta (200g cooked) is a reasonable serving at approximately 280 kcal. The key is portion control and avoiding heavy cream sauces.
How many calories in pasta with chicken and cream sauce?
Replacing the tomato base with 100ml double cream adds approximately 330 kcal, bringing the total to approximately 850 kcal — more than double this recipe.
Can I use wholemeal pasta instead?
Yes — wholemeal pasta adds 3–4g more fibre per serving and has a slightly lower glycaemic index. Calories are similar (350 kcal/100g dry vs 365 kcal/100g for white pasta).
How many grams of pasta per serving for weight loss?
60–75g dry pasta (150–190g cooked) is appropriate for weight loss, providing 210–265 kcal from pasta alone. Pair with high-protein ingredients to maximise satiety.
How do I meal prep pasta with chicken?
Cook in batches for 3–4 servings. Slightly undercook pasta (it will soften further when reheated). Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to prevent drying.