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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 - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients create a healthy, tasty meal that packs a protein punch. Whole grain pasta gives you fiber and energy. Quinoa adds even more protein and a nutty flavor. Fresh veggies like tomatoes and spinach make it colorful and nutritious. Chickpeas bring in more plant-based protein. - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled Feta cheese adds a creamy texture and a tangy taste. You can skip it if you want a dairy-free dish. - Large pot for boiling pasta - Mixing bowl for combining ingredients - Colander for draining pasta - Spoon for mixing - Knife and cutting board for chopping veggies Having these tools ready makes cooking easy and fast. You can whip up this Minute Protein Pasta Bowl in no time! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of whole grain pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should have a little bite to it. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. In 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 canned chickpeas. The quinoa adds great protein and texture. Stir everything gently to mix the ingredients well. Now, add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the quinoa mixture. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the top. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and add salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until it is well combined. If you want to add flavor, gently fold in 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Serve right away with fresh basil leaves for a colorful touch. To cook pasta just right, start with a big pot of water. Add salt to the boiling water. This helps flavor the pasta. Cook the whole grain pasta until it is al dente, which means firm but not hard. Stir the pasta often to prevent it from sticking. Always check the package for cooking time. Once done, drain the pasta quickly. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This step keeps it from getting mushy. Seasonings make your pasta bowl pop with taste. Use garlic powder to add a savory kick. Olive oil and lemon juice bring richness and brightness. Don’t forget salt and pepper to balance the flavors. If you want more zest, try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can also mix in a pinch of chili flakes for heat. If you choose feta cheese, it gives a nice salty crunch. Experiment with your favorite spices to find what you love. Meal prep makes weeknight dinners easy. To adjust this recipe, cook a larger batch of pasta and quinoa. Keep them separate until you’re ready to eat. This way, the pasta stays fresh and avoids becoming soggy. You can store the veggies in airtight containers. When you're ready to eat, mix them up and add the seasonings. This method saves time and keeps flavors bright. You can also divide the pasta bowl into portions for quick meals. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add different vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing twist, let the pasta bowl chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil not only adds color but also elevates the flavor; consider adding other herbs like parsley or oregano for variety. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. To keep it vegetarian, just skip the feta. You can add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. For a vegan twist, replace feta with avocado or a vegan cheese. This way, you keep the creaminess without any dairy. If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or lentils. Quinoa is already gluten-free, so you’re in luck there. Just make sure to check the labels on your pasta for gluten content. You can change the flavor profile easily. Try adding olives for a briny taste or capers for more zing. You could also swap chickpeas for black beans or lentils. For more crunch, toss in some roasted nuts or seeds. The key is to mix and match to find what you love best! To keep your Minute Protein Pasta Bowl fresh, put leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down first. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to eat the pasta bowl again, take it out of the fridge. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. If using a microwave, heat it for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through to warm it evenly. If using the stove, add a splash of water to prevent sticking. Heat over medium until warm. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the pasta bowl. Use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can then reheat it as mentioned above. Freezing may change the texture slightly, but the taste stays delicious. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for even more protein. Tofu or tempeh also works well. You can mix in nuts like almonds or walnuts too. Each of these options boosts the protein level. They also add unique flavors and textures. Absolutely! You can swap in your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli are great choices. You can also use frozen vegetables for convenience. Just make sure to cook them until they are tender. This keeps them tasty and colorful in your dish. Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in containers. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat when you are ready to eat. This makes busy days easier while keeping meals healthy. You learned how to make a tasty Minute Protein Pasta Bowl using key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. You can mix, match, and customize this dish to fit your tastes. Storage tips help keep leftovers fresh and ready. Whether for meal prep or a quick dinner, this bowl is a great choice. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own. Now, it’s time to cook and have fun!

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

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole grain pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, and chickpeas.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the mixing bowl with the quinoa mixture.
  • Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the pasta bowl. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Toss everything together until well combined.
  • If using, gently fold in feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Feta cheese is optional but adds great flavor.
Keyword healthy, pasta, quick meal, vegetarian