High Protein Orecchiette Pasta with Tomato Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this High Protein Orecchiette Pasta with Tomato Sauce—a deliciously wholesome recipe that combines classic Italian flavors with a nutritious twist. Featuring chickpea flour orecchiette, this dish is packed with plant-based protein, making it a satisfying and health-conscious choice. The rich and savory tomato sauce, crafted with crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a medley of herbs, is perfectly complemented by tender pieces of cooked chicken breast and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Finished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this protein-enriched pasta is as flavorful as it is filling. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s the ideal family-friendly meal that’s both nourishing and comforting. Perfect for health enthusiasts and pasta lovers alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz chickpea flour orecchiette pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the chickpea flour orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Add the onion to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and ground black pepper.
Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
Chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and add it to the sauce. Cook for 5 more minutes until the chicken is heated through.
Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce to reach your desired consistency, then add the cooked orecchiette pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat.
Remove from heat, tear fresh basil leaves, and add them along with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2504 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 75.4 g | 97% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.1 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 327 mg | 109% | |
| Sodium | 3414 mg | 148% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 254.8 g | 93% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 48.1 g | 172% | |
| Total Sugars | 65.8 g | ||
| Protein | 208.9 g | 418% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 839 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 26.6 mg | 148% | |
| Potassium | 5126 mg | 109% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
