High Protein Spinach and Cheese Pasta

Experience the ultimate comfort food upgrade with this luscious High Protein Spinach and Cheese Pasta, a nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Made with protein-packed chickpea or lentil-based pasta, this dish combines creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and tangy Parmesan cheeses for a rich, velvety sauce infused with fresh wilted spinach and aromatic garlic. A hint of nutmeg and optional red pepper flakes add a subtle complexity, while a perfectly creamy consistency can be achieved with a splash of reserved pasta water. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a wholesome, high-protein dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh herbs to impress your table with a hearty, satisfying meal that's as nutritious as it is indulgent.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Serve the High Protein Spinach and Cheese Pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1171.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2580.6

Total Fat 120.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 52.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 250.6mg	0%
Sodium 3692.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 235.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.6g	0%
Total Sugars 24.1g
Protein 167.5g	0%

Vitamin D 120IU	0%
Calcium 2943.1mg	0%
Iron 19.1mg	0%
Potassium 3792.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.3%

Protein: 24.8%

Carbs: 34.9%