High Protein Spinach and Cheese Pasta
Elevate your pasta night with this High Protein Spinach and Cheese Pasta, a wholesome and satisfying dish packed with flavor and nutrients. Made with protein-rich chickpea or lentil-based pasta, this recipe boasts a creamy, indulgent sauce crafted from ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, delicately spiced with garlic, nutmeg, and optional red pepper flakes. Fresh baby spinach adds vibrant color and a dose of vitamins, while the low-fat dairy options keep it lighter without sacrificing richness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and serves as a hearty, nutrient-dense meal for the entire family. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs for a gourmet finish to this comforting yet healthy pasta dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz high-protein pasta (e.g., chickpea or lentil-based pasta)
- 4 cups baby spinach, fresh
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, low-fat
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, part-skim
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup milk (2% or skim)
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg, ground
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper, ground
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Reduce the heat to low and add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, milk, and nutmeg until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the spinach and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the pasta and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow it to sit on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve the High Protein Spinach and Cheese Pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2581 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 120.9 g | 155% | |
| Saturated Fat | 52.8 g | 264% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 251 mg | 84% | |
| Sodium | 3693 mg | 161% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 235.4 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.6 g | 109% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.1 g | ||
| Protein | 167.5 g | 335% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.0 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 2943 mg | 226% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 3792 mg | 81% | |
*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.
