When it comes to mealtime sometimes I struggle. Okay, maybe more than just sometimes. I mean, we need variety, something my kids will eat, something nutritious, higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates… the list goes on. One thing my kids would eat everyday is pasta. So I’m always looking for ways to make it a better-balanced meal. Recently I learned a lot about plant-based protein and it sounded perfect! When I heard that Barilla makes a great Chickpea pasta I was definitely intrigued. This post is sponsored by Barilla but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. Links contain affiliates.
The Chickpea pasta from Barilla is a plant-based protein that contains only Chickpea flour. No really–I looked at the ingredient list and that’s all it says! Barilla also has a Red Lentil pasta with that as the only ingredient, definitely a healthy staple to have on hand since my kids love pasta.
plant-based protein pasta recipes
Today I’m sharing not one, but two simple recipes using Barilla’s new plant-based protein pastas. One is a simple and delicious Marsala recipe that perfectly compliments the flavor of the Barilla Chickpea pasta. The other recipe is a one-pot dish for those busy nights when momma can not be bothered with dishes. This pasta is so versatile though you can use it in any of your favorite go-to recipes.
simple protein-packed Marsala
One of my husband’s favorite meals is a really good Marsala so I knew that I wanted to try and replicate it with the Barilla Chickpea pasta. This recipe has the great taste of Marsala but thanks to the plant-based protein in the pasta is a much healthier alternative!
This Marsala dish puts a healthy twist on the traditional dish. It comes together quickly for a delicious meal when you don’t have a lot of time.
- 1 box Barilla Plant-based protein pasta Such as Chickpea pasta.
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 1 cup Marsala cooking wine If you prefer a heavier Marsala taste you can add more to your liking.
- Garlic salt, to taste
- 10 oz. sliced mushrooms
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp cornstarch Mix with 1/2 cup until smooth in consistency.
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Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. While the water begins to boil start preparing your Marsala sauce. Add pasta once water boils are you continue making the sauce.
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In a large pan, saute mushrooms in butter for a few minutes until tender (about 3 minutes).
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Add Marsala, chicken broth, and milk to mushrooms, stirring occasionally.
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Add cornstarch mixture to liquid slowly, mixing until well-incorporated. Add in garlic to taste.
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Drain the pasta when it’s al dente and add sauce and mushrooms. Enjoy!
green one-pot protein pasta
Even though the Marsala is pretty simple to pull together, some nights you need an even simpler dinner, right? This one-pot pasta dish cuts out all the extra dishes so clean up is minimal. Plus you can tailor it to your tastes and what you have on hand!
This dinner will make good use of what you have on hand and clean up is a breeze!
- 1 box Barilla plant-based protein pasta Such as Chickpea pasta
- 10 oz. Frozen peas
- 3 tbsp Pesto sauce
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
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Fill a large pot with water and frozen peas.
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Bring to a boil and then add pasta to the water.
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Once the pasta is done, drain and add pesto sauce and extra virgin olive oil. Stir well until sauce is well-incorporated. Enjoy as is, or add other ingredients as mentioned:
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Add any seasonings, like garlic, if desired. Other fun additions you may have in your fridge or pantry include: sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, mushrooms, red onions, olives, etc.
Save yourself a trip and purchase here on Amazon! It’s an easy way to add healthier options to your diet–and leave a review with your thoughts on the pasta!
