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- 1 cup whole grain pasta - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained These main ingredients create a solid base for your Minute Protein Pasta Bowl. The whole grain pasta gives you fiber and carbs. Quinoa adds protein and a nutty taste. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and spinach add color and nutrients. Chickpeas boost your protein and add a nice texture. - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Feta cheese adds a creamy and salty flavor to your bowl. It is optional but highly recommended. Fresh basil leaves give a burst of flavor and look great on top. - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder The dressing makes the dish pop. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in healthy fats. Lemon juice adds brightness and freshness. Garlic powder gives a nice, savory touch. You can also add salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Use enough salt to make the water taste like the sea. Once the water boils, add 1 cup of whole grain pasta. Cook the pasta based on the package instructions. For al dente pasta, this takes about 8-10 minutes. Check the pasta for tenderness before draining. After cooking, drain the pasta and let it cool slightly. While the pasta cooks, take a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of cooked quinoa, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach, and 1/2 cup of rinsed chickpeas. Stir gently to mix these ingredients evenly. Even mixing helps each bite have great flavor. Now, add the drained pasta to the bowl with quinoa and veggies. Gently fold the pasta into the mixture. This way, you avoid breaking the pasta. Next, drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the top. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Using a spatula or a large spoon, carefully toss all the components together. Make sure everything is well-coated with the dressing. If you want feta cheese, gently fold it into the mix now. This adds a creamy burst of flavor. Finally, serve the pasta bowl in plates or bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your healthy and tasty Minute Protein Pasta Bowl! To cook pasta just right, time is key. Aim for al dente pasta, which means it should be firm yet tender. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. To cool the pasta, drain it and run it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps keep the texture perfect. Want to mix things up? Try different dressings! A balsamic vinaigrette can add a tangy twist. You can also experiment with a creamy ranch or a spicy chili sauce. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano can boost flavor too. Just chop them up and mix them in for a fresh taste. Make your bowl look as good as it tastes! Serve the pasta in shallow dishes for an elegant touch. Arrange your fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of green. You can also add colorful veggies like bell peppers and carrots. A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the dish and make it more appealing. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. Chickpea Variation: For added flavor, consider roasting the chickpeas beforehand with spices such as cumin and paprika. Freshness Matters: Use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best taste and texture, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or substitute with your favorite veggies for variety. {{image_4}} Want to make your Minute Protein Pasta Bowl even heartier? Add grilled chicken or shrimp. These options bring more protein and flavor. Just grill them until cooked through and slice them before adding. If you prefer vegetarian sources, consider adding tofu or tempeh. Both options are high in protein and will blend nicely with the other ingredients. You can season them to match the bowl's flavors. For those needing gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer pasta made from rice or lentils. These alternatives work well and keep the dish tasty. If you want a vegan twist, skip the feta cheese. You can replace it with avocado or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Both add creaminess and flavor without dairy. Looking to jazz up your dish? Add Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Try kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers. These additions will give your pasta bowl a delicious twist. For a spicy kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. A little heat can elevate the flavors and make your meal exciting. To keep your Minute Protein Pasta Bowl fresh, refrigerate leftovers right away. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps flavors intact. I recommend storing it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, simply take it out, and enjoy! For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta bowl. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When it's time to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use the microwave or a pot over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist and improve texture. The Minute Protein Pasta Bowl stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. After that, it may lose its taste and texture. Watch for signs of spoilage, such as off smells or a change in color. If you notice anything unusual, it's best to throw it away. Enjoy your dish while it’s fresh for the best flavor! A Minute Protein Pasta Bowl is a quick meal packed with flavor and nutrients. It combines whole grain pasta, quinoa, and fresh veggies. This dish gives you protein, fiber, and vitamins in one bowl. It's great for busy days when you need a healthy meal fast. You can make it in just 20 minutes. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your taste. Yes, you can meal prep a Minute Protein Pasta Bowl! Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta and quinoa ahead. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. - Prepare the veggies. Chop the cherry tomatoes and spinach, then keep them in airtight containers. - Mix and match. You can change up the ingredients each week to keep it interesting. - Dress it just before eating. This keeps the pasta fresh and prevents sogginess. To make a Minute Protein Pasta Bowl vegan, simply skip the feta cheese. Here are some ideas for non-dairy options: - Nutritional yeast. This adds a cheesy flavor and extra nutrients. - Vegan cheese. There are many plant-based cheese options available. - Extra veggies. Increase the portion of chickpeas or add avocado for creaminess. These swaps keep your dish tasty and satisfying! This pasta bowl is simple, tasty, and full of good stuff. We covered main ingredients like whole grain pasta, quinoa, and fresh vegetables. You learned step-by-step instructions to cook and mix these ingredients. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and how to store your leftovers. Don’t forget about fun variations, from adding protein to swapping dressings. Now, you can make a meal that’s healthy and filling. Enjoy crafting this great dish for your next meal!

Minute Protein Pasta Bowl

A quick and nutritious pasta bowl packed with protein and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup whole grain pasta
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
  • While the pasta cooks, take a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh spinach, and rinsed chickpeas. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
  • Add the drained pasta to the mixing bowl with the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Gently fold the pasta into the other ingredients to avoid breaking the pasta.
  • Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the pasta. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Using a spatula or large spoon, carefully toss all components together until they are thoroughly combined, ensuring each element is well-coated with the dressing.
  • If you are choosing to include feta cheese, gently fold it into the mixture now, adding a delightful burst of flavor and creaminess to the bowl.
  • Spoon the colorful pasta bowl onto plates or into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch and a pop of color.

Notes

For an elegant touch, consider serving the pasta bowl in shallow dishes, with the basil leaves arranged artfully on top. A splash of lemon zest can also enhance the presentation.
Keyword healthy, pasta, quick meal, vegetarian