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Power Up Your Dinner with This High Protein Pasta Recipe

Power Up Your Dinner with This High Protein Pasta Recipe - Featured Image
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Learn how to make delicious pasta recipe high protein. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 8 ounces whole wheat or chickpea pasta (for extra protein and fiber)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (substitute with firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup cooked lentils (brown or green lentils work well)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese (optional, adds creaminess and protein)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Red pepper flakes, optional for a gentle kick
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. This step always reminds me of watching Mama Lu slowly soften onions before adding them to her pot roast — patience is key.
  3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn; garlic is like those family stories — best when gentle and warm, not harsh or bitter.
  4. Stir in the cooked chicken and lentils, allowing them to warm through for about 3-4 minutes. If you’re using tofu or tempeh, toss them in at this point to soak up those flavors.
  5. Add the cherry tomatoes and fresh greens, cooking just until the greens wilt and the tomatoes soften, about 2-3 minutes. This is where the dish starts to feel like a hug — vibrant, fresh, and full of life.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, then gently fold in the ricotta or cottage cheese if using. Stir in the grated Parmesan and dried Italian herbs. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. If the mixture feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired saucy consistency.
  7. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, mixing everything well to combine. Let it all warm together for a minute or two so the pasta soaks up those cozy flavors.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil. This is where I always pause and take a moment to appreciate the simple beauty of a shared meal — no fancy plating needed, just honest ingredients and a full heart.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/pasta-recipe-high-protein/