Recipes

$5 Family Challenge: Green Goddess Chicken Pasta

by StudioLink's Diet.
May 20, 2026
View the Studiolink

Ingredients:

0.5x
1x
2x
4x
 
For the pasta
  •   12 oz whole wheat pasta (or regular pasta)
  •   1 lb chicken thighs (or chicken breast, diced)
  •   2 cups broccoli florets
  •   1 tbsp olive oil
  •   Salt and pepperrn

 
Green Goddess Sauce
  •   2 cups spinach
  •   3/4 cups plain Greek yogurt
  •   1/2 cup cottage cheese
  •   3 cloves garlic
  •   1/4 cup fresh parsley
  •   1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
  •   2 tbsp parmesan cheese
  •   1/4-1/2 cup water
  •   Salt and black pepperrn

  •   1/2 lemon (juice from half lemon)
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Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Approximate nutrition (per serving)

Calories: ~420–480

Protein: ~33–38g

Carbs: ~40–45g

Fat: ~10–13g

Fiber: ~6–8g

Feeds a family of 5

A creamy, veggie-packed pasta that tastes rich and indulgent, but the sauce secretly loads in spinach, herbs, and protein. Think restaurant-style green pasta meets healthy comfort food — bright, creamy, and surprisingly filling.

Estimated ingredient cost used: ~$4.50–$5.00
(using only portions used, not entire package costs)

Ingredients

For the pasta

  • 12 oz whole wheat pasta (or regular pasta)
  • 1 lb chicken thighs or chicken breast, diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Green Goddess Sauce

  • 2 packed cups spinach
  • ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup cottage cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
  • ¼–½ cup water
  • Salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook pasta

  • Bring salted water to boil.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

2. Cook chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
  • Add chicken.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.

3. Steam broccoli

  • Add broccoli to chicken skillet with 2 tbsp water.
  • Cover 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.

4. Make Green Goddess sauce
Add to blender:

  • spinach
  • Greek yogurt
  • cottage cheese
  • garlic
  • lemon juice
  • parsley
  • cilantro
  • parmesan
  • water

Blend until smooth and creamy.

5. Finish

  • Add cooked pasta to skillet.
  • Pour sauce over top.
  • Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until creamy.
  • Toss everything together for 2–3 minutes.

Serve warm.

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