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To make your Protein-Packed Creamy Pasta Bowl, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz whole wheat pasta (fusilli or penne) - 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or black beans) - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup vegetable broth - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh basil, for garnish This dish is rich in protein and fiber. The whole wheat pasta provides complex carbs. Chickpeas offer plant-based protein and fiber. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein. Spinach is packed with vitamins and iron. Parmesan cheese gives flavor and calcium. This meal is balanced and filling. You can swap some ingredients for variety. Use black beans instead of chickpeas for a different taste. If you're dairy-free, try using cashew cream instead of Greek yogurt. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can also mix in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This helps season the pasta. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of whole wheat pasta. You can use either fusilli or penne. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to check the package for exact times. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to save half a cup of the pasta water for later. Next, take a large skillet and heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add two cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it to smell nice but not brown. After that, add one cup of cooked chickpeas or black beans to the skillet. Then, toss in one cup of chopped spinach. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts down nicely. Now, it’s time to make your sauce creamy. Lower the heat and add half a cup of Greek yogurt, a quarter cup of vegetable broth, and a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together well. If the sauce feels too thick, use your reserved pasta water to thin it out. Add a little at a time until it’s just right. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add your cooked pasta into the skillet. Gently mix it with the creamy sauce until the pasta is fully coated. Season your dish with one teaspoon of dried oregano, and add salt and pepper to taste. Keep tossing until everything is well combined. Finally, divide the creamy pasta among bowls. Top it off with fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color. Enjoy your healthy, protein-packed meal! To get that perfect creamy texture, you need Greek yogurt. It adds a rich taste. When you mix it with vegetable broth, the sauce gets smooth. If it feels too thick, add some pasta water. Start with a little, then add more if needed. This gives you control over the sauce's creaminess. Always stir gently to keep it silky. Boost the flavor with fresh herbs like basil. It adds a bright taste. You can also try adding lemon juice. Just a squeeze makes the dish pop. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick. Using good-quality Parmesan cheese also makes a big difference. It adds depth and richness. Serve the pasta hot in bowls. Top each bowl with fresh basil. This adds color and flavor. You can pair it with a side salad for more greens. If you want extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp. This makes the dish heartier. Enjoy it right away for the best taste! Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Whole wheat pasta not only adds a nutty flavor but also increases the fiber content of your dish, making it more filling and nutritious. Experiment with Greens: Feel free to swap spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard for different flavors and nutrients. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more Greek yogurt or Parmesan cheese. For a lighter version, use less and incorporate more vegetable broth. Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh basil not only enhances the dish's presentation but also elevates the flavor profile, giving it a vibrant touch. {{image_2}} You can switch out chickpeas for different protein sources. Black beans work well for a tasty twist. You can also use cooked chicken or turkey for a meatier dish. Tofu is another great option if you want a plant-based choice. Each protein brings a unique flavor and texture to your creamy pasta bowl. Feel free to swap the spinach for any leafy green you like. Kale adds a hearty bite and packs a nutrient punch. If you want a sweeter touch, try using roasted bell peppers or zucchini. Broccoli florets also work great and add a nice crunch. Mix it up based on what you have at home or what’s in season. If you need a gluten-free option, replace whole wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta. Brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta can offer a wonderful taste. Quinoa pasta is another good choice; it’s high in protein too. Just make sure to check the cooking time, as it may vary from regular pasta. Enjoy the same creamy goodness without gluten! Store your Protein-Packed Creamy Pasta Bowl in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Place it in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. For the stovetop, add the pasta to a pan. Heat over low heat, stirring often. Add more broth or yogurt if it gets too thick. If you want to freeze your pasta, make sure it’s completely cool. Portion it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can. Label the bags with the date. This dish can freeze well for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat using the instructions above. Yes, you can! This recipe works with any pasta you like. You can use gluten-free pasta, spaghetti, or even zoodles for a lighter meal. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose. Absolutely! This creamy pasta bowl is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge. It tastes great for up to four days. Just divide it into containers for easy lunches or dinners. To add heat, try adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy chickpeas or black beans. For a different kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce. Adjust to your taste, and enjoy the extra flavor! This article covered key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for a creamy pasta dish. You learned how to combine flavors and achieve a perfect texture. We discussed handy tips for serving and variations for personalizing your meal. Plus, you have storage info for leftovers. Now, you can confidently make this dish, adapting it to your taste. Enjoy cooking and sharing delicious meals with friends and family!

Protein-Packed Creamy Pasta Bowl

A delicious and nutritious pasta dish packed with protein from chickpeas and Greek yogurt, perfect for a healthy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta (fusilli or penne)
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or black beans)
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 2 Greek yogurt
  • 1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 4 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  • Stir in the cooked chickpeas (or black beans) and chopped spinach. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add Greek yogurt, vegetable broth, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until combined and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix everything gently until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well combined.
  • Divide the creamy pasta among bowls and top with fresh basil for a pop of flavor and color. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Feel free to substitute chickpeas with black beans if desired.
Keyword healthy, pasta, protein-packed, vegetarian