One-dish protein-packed pasta

This recipe is packed with protein, fibre and B vitamins! If you’re looking for a quick, easy and healthy alternative to creamy pasta, this is it. It’s gluten-free and vegan on top of it all, plus packs protein and it’s nutrient-rich.

With the shorter days of the winter approaching, this vegan pasta dish is both nourishing for the body and mind. So, turn on the stove and get cooking! If you would like to watch the video instead, be sure to check out my instagram @thenourishedwillow.

Ingredients & Directions 

Estimated time: 20-30 minutes

Effort/Skill: Easy

Ingredients

1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
2 cups sliced mushroom
14 oz can of chickpeas
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups veggie broth
1 lemon, juiced
1 tsp lemon zest - optional
3-4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup water
4-5 oz full fat coconut milk or cream
1 package of your favourite chickpea or lentil pasta - I love @chickapeapasta fusilli for this recipe. It works amazing in the one-dish method.

Dry Spice Mixture

2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp basil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp parsley
1/4 cup nutritional yeast

Directions

• In a saucepan over medium-low heat, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil adding in the mushrooms, stirring frequently. 

• Once the mushrooms begin to brown, add in the tomatoes. Stir. 

• Add in the chickpeas and cook on low heat for 3 minutes until the veggies soften.

• Gradually add in 1 cup of veggie broth.

• Cover the pan with a lid and stir occasionally for 5 minutes.

• Add in the juice of one lemon, stir gently.

• Next, add in the crushed garlic, 1/2 of the spices (smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast).

• Stir and cook for 2 minutes over low heat.

• Next, add the coconut milk and add in more veggie broth if needed.

• Stir well and allow the liquid to boil.

• Add in the pasta and top off with more water or veggie broth, if you prefer (approximately 1 cup).

• Stir the pasta in very well. Cover and let simmer for 8 minutes, checking and stirring often.

• Next add the remaining spice mixture, stir well.

• Let the spices settle and serve when al dente.

• Broil it for a minute or two if you want to be ‘extra’!