High Protein Pasta with Broccoli

Introduction

High Protein Pasta with Broccoli is the perfect answer for anyone seeking a quick, wholesome dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition. Powered by lean protein and nutrient-rich broccoli, this dish delivers a hearty meal satisfying enough for athletes, busy families, and anyone aiming to get more plant-forward protein without fuss. Ready in under 30 minutes and easy to customize, it’s the ultimate weeknight crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love High Protein Pasta with Broccoli

This recipe keeps things simple—minimal steps, everyday ingredients, but maximum flavor and nutrition. By using protein-enriched pasta (like chickpea or lentil varieties) and crisp-tender broccoli, each bite offers a wonderful contrast—al dente noodles, vibrant veggies, and your choice of protein-packed add-ins such as chicken, tofu, or beans. The result? A well-balanced, filling meal that fits into any healthy lifestyle or meal plan.

How to Get Maximum Protein

The secret is in your pasta choice. Swap out regular pasta for one made with chickpeas, lentils, or edamame—all naturally higher in protein. Then, add your favorite protein source: cooked chicken breast, sautéed tofu, white beans, or shrimp. Mix in steamed or roasted broccoli for added fiber and vitamins, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, or grated parmesan cheese. It’s a flexible formula that lets you tailor nutrition and flavors to your needs.

Simple Steps for the Perfect Pasta

Cook the high protein pasta according to package directions, usually just 8-10 minutes. While it cooks, steam broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp. In a large pan, heat a little olive oil, then toss in cooked protein and steamed broccoli; sauté just until everything is well combined. Add cooked pasta, a splash of reserved pasta water, and your favorite seasonings—think garlic, lemon zest, or crushed pepper flakes. Mix, top with cheese, and enjoy immediately!

Serving Suggestions for a Well-Balanced Plate

Round out your meal with a crisp green salad and a slice of whole-grain bread. Garnish your pasta with toasted nuts, fresh basil, or a squeeze of lemon for extra layers of flavor and nutrition. This recipe keeps you energized for hours, making it ideal for lunch leftovers or healthy dinner repeats.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields four generous servings. When using chickpea pasta, chicken breast, and parmesan cheese, each serving packs roughly 28–32g of protein, 400–450 calories, and a robust helping of fiber and vitamins from the broccoli and pasta. Exact nutrients may vary based on the protein you select.

High Protein Pasta with Broccoli (Recap)

From minimal prep to maximum nutrition, High Protein Pasta with Broccoli makes healthy eating truly delicious and accessible. When you need a flavorful, satisfying meal that fits seamlessly into your week, this recipe delivers with every bite.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined meal planning.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high protein pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water, then drain pasta.
2. While the pasta cooks, steam or microwave the broccoli florets until bright green and just tender, about 3–4 minutes. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add your chosen protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp, or beans) and cook until heated through, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Add broccoli to the pan, tossing gently to combine.
6. Add drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors.
7. Remove from heat and top with grated parmesan cheese and any additional toppings you like (red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or toasted nuts).
8. Serve immediately with a side salad for a complete meal.

Weekly Meal Planning

This High Protein Pasta with Broccoli recipe is ideal for batch-cooking and weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to add it to your week’s plan, and CookifyAI will smartly consolidate all your recipes into a single, organized grocery list.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically updates total ingredient quantities across your meal plan
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section for time-saving trips
– Reduces duplicate purchases and last-minute runs by tracking what you already have
– Helps prevent food waste by aligning your ingredient needs for all your meals

Pro tip: If you plan other high protein recipes for the week, schedule them together so your shopping list tallies all protein and produce quantities, ensuring you buy just what you need for the week ahead.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes