Pasta is a versatile and delicious dish that can be the perfect vessel for high protein recipes, especially on gym days when you need that extra boost of energy. Whether you're looking for a post-workout meal or a pre-workout energy boost, these recipes can help you satisfy your cravings and fuel your body with the protein it needs.
In this blog, we will guide you through 5 quick and easy step-by-step high protein pasta prep recipes that can be a perfect fit for your next gym day meal.
Start by boiling whole wheat pasta in a pot of water until it's al dente. While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add diced chicken breast. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle. In a separate saucepan, combine low-fat milk, grated parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
Stir the mixture until it thickens, then add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley.
Lentil Bolognese Pasta
To prepare this high protein pasta dish, start by cooking lentils in a pot of water until they are tender. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until they are soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in canned crushed tomatoes, cooked lentils, and vegetable broth.
Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes until it thickens. While the sauce is simmering, cook whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, toss it with the lentil bolognese sauce. Serve hot and top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for an extra protein boost.
For this high protein pasta recipe, start by pressing firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into cubes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and add the tofu cubes, cooking until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté chopped broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp.
While the broccoli is cooking, boil whole wheat pasta until it's al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, toss it with the cooked tofu and broccoli. For extra flavor, drizzle with a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
To prepare this high protein pasta dish, start by cooking whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet and add peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque, then remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and baby spinach until the spinach is wilted. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach and toss everything together. Finally, add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
For a refreshing and protein-packed pasta dish, start by cooking quinoa in a pot of water until it's fluffy. In a separate pot, boil whole wheat pasta until it's al dente. Once the quinoa and pasta are cooked, rinse them under cold water to cool them down. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and pasta with chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and black olives.
Drizzle with a dressing made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Toss everything together until the salad is well coated with the dressing. Serve chilled and garnish with fresh parsley.
Now that you have these 5 high protein pasta prep recipes at your fingertips, it's time to head to the kitchen and whip up a delicious and nutritious meal for your next gym day. Whether you prefer a creamy chicken alfredo pasta or a refreshing quinoa and vegetable pasta salad, these recipes can help keep you fueled and satisfied.
Feel free to add your own twist to these recipes by incorporating your favorite protein sources and vegetables. Get creative and enjoy the benefits of a high protein meal to support your fitness goals.
