If I had to name my number one favorite food, one that I would be happy eating day in and day out for the rest of my life, there’s no question I would say pasta. So versatile! So easy! So delicious! But, so healthy? That isn’t the first attribute that comes to mind.
Of course, a pasta dish can be full of veggies and other nutritious ingredients. Standard dried pasta itself is surprisingly full of protein (more on that in a minute). But when I decided to develop a pasta recipe that really packs in those two nutrients, I knew I’d need to play around with the ingredients a bit. The result is this lip-smackingly good pasta recipe that clocks in with 30 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber.
Just as importantly, it’s made in one pot, you can get it on the table in about 30 minutes, and it only calls for eight ingredients—including salt and olive oil! What is this wonder recipe, you ask? Behold Chickpeas with Sausage and Pasta.
How This Dish Packs in the Nutrition
There are two key strategies for upping the protein and fiber in this pasta dish. The first is doubling up on the protein sources. Many similar recipes will call for sausage or chickpeas. This one uses both, which packs in the nutrients. In each serving, the sausage contributes just over 9 grams, and the chickpeas 10.5 grams.
The second key strategy is flipping the ratio of pasta and “toppings.” Most recipes that serve four people call for 12 or 16 ounces of pasta. This one only requires 8 ounces, or half a box. Using only half as much as usual leaves more room on the plate (and in your belly) for the sausage and chickpeas. But, don’t worry, this still eats like a comforting pasta dish, through and through.
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