protein pasta recipes
This delicious high-protein pasta dish combines protein-rich chickpeas and spinach with whole grain pasta for a nutritious meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it's quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 skillet
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole grain pasta e.g., penne or fusilli
- 1 can chickpeas 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- for serving grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chickpeas to the skillet and stir in paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to warm through and absorb the flavors.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chickpea and spinach mixture in the skillet. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu.
You can use any leafy green in place of spinach, such as kale or Swiss chard.
This dish is easy to customize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.