Healthy Comfort Food for Winter: A Low Carb Chicken Pasta Recipe
Warm up this winter with a delicious and healthy chicken pasta bake! This gluten-free, low-carb comfort food recipe is perfect for cozy nights and packed with flavor, without the guilt.
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Cozy Fall Days in Ohio Call for Comfort Food
Fall has officially arrived in Ohio, and it didn’t waste any time bringing that chilly weather with it!
Last night, with temperatures dipping to a frosty 33 degrees, I finally gave in and turned on the heat.
Even though I had proudly told my husband, “No heat until November 1st,” he chuckled and said, “I’ll believe that when I see it.”
Well, he got the last laugh. I tried to hold out, but when our dog Bentley started huddling next to me on the couch for warmth, I knew it was time.
Maybe next year I’ll make it to November 1st… but let’s be honest, I say that every year and never quite get there.
Comfort Food for Winter
As soon as the temperatures start dropping, I find myself turning to comfort food for winter—those cozy, warming dishes that make you feel at home.
Do you find the same?
There’s just something about a hearty meal when the weather gets cold. And today, I’m sharing one of my favorite comfort food chicken recipes that fits right into my low GI diet without sacrificing flavor.
Comfort Food, but Make It Healthy (and Gluten-Free)
When we think of comfort food, we often imagine rich, indulgent meals that aren’t exactly healthy. But I’ve learned that comfort food healthy recipes can be just as satisfying.
Since I’ve been following a low GI (glycemic index) diet, I’ve had to rethink some of my favorite comfort dishes, finding ways to make them lighter and healthier.
Today’s recipe is not only a comfort food with chicken, but it’s also gluten-free and easy to make. And if you’re worried that “gluten-free” means bland, I promise this dish is anything but!
Stick with me, and you’ll see how this comfort food easy recipe can be both delicious and good for you.
Comfort Food Chicken Recipe: Gluten-Free Chicken Pasta Bake
This recipe is everything you want in a comfort food low carb dish—hearty, filling, and perfect for cold nights. It features chickpea pasta, which is lower in carbs and has a low glycemic index, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay healthy while enjoying comforting meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs, cooked and cubed
- 1 container of mushrooms, washed and sliced
- 1 medium-sized zucchini, washed and sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce (opt for low sugar varieties for a low GI option)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheese of your choice
- 1 box chickpea pasta, prepared according to package instructions
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Follow the instructions on the chickpea pasta box, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside.
- Cook the chicken and vegetables: In a skillet with olive oil, sauté the chicken thighs along with onions, green peppers, and seasonings. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and cube it.
- Add veggies and sauce: In the same skillet, cook the mushrooms and zucchini, then stir in the cream cheese and spaghetti sauce until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the dish: In a 9x13 baking dish, layer the pasta and raw spinach. Pour in the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring until well mixed.
- Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
This comfort food with chicken is the perfect dish for a chilly fall evening—and as an added bonus, the oven helps warm up the house while you cook!
A Taste Test with Mom
My favorite part of cooking is sharing the results with my loved ones, so I invited my mom over for lunch to try out this recipe.
I didn’t mention that the pasta was gluten-free and made with chickpeas, because in the past, she hasn’t always been a fan of my gluten-free dishes (let’s just say, I’ve had some trial and error in the kitchen!).
To my delight, she loved it!
She even went home with leftovers, which is always a good sign. Before she left, she said, “I wasn’t expecting to really like lunch, but it was pretty tasty. Can I have the recipe?”
That put a big smile on my face.
Why Chickpea Pasta is My Go-To
If you’ve never tried chickpea pasta, it’s worth a shot—especially if you’re looking for a healthier twist on traditional comfort food.
Not only is it gluten-free, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a great option for anyone following a low-carb or low GI diet.
It’s an easy way to turn your favorite comfort food for winter into a more wholesome meal.
What’s Your Favorite Comfort Food?
