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Amazing, delicious and ready in 20 minutes: high protein cherry tomato chickpea pasta! It is also vegan, grain-free and made with only 5 ingredients.

Umm, can we just call this a skillet full of happiness? Hints of spring (cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley), the midwinter comforts of pasta, and enough nutrients (protein, vitamin C, antioxidants) to energize a rockstar athlete (you!).

5 Ingredient High Protein Pasta Dinner

Here’s the lineup of ingredients for this high-protein, ready-in-no-time dish:

Chickpea pasta, which packs a wallop of protein in one fell swoop
Cherry or grape tomatoes (one or two colors), quickly sautéed until bursting
Chopped fresh parsley (sprinkled on for grassy, fresh brilliance)
A splash of olive oil or avocado oil (for cooking the tomatoes and making an instant sauce)
Vegan Parmesan Cheese (my 2 minute recipe; don’t worry, I have options!)

New to chickpea pasta? It is naturally grain-free and gluten-free (made with chickpea flour) and looks like regular wheat pasta (cook it in the same way, too). The taste is creamy, nutty and delicious. It is also very high in protein and fiber.

You can find chickpea pasta in regular grocery stores (look in the pasta aisle or the health food sections). Some of the available brands include Barilla, Banza, Lensi, Thrive Market, and Tolerant.

Let’s Make Some Pasta!

Ready for some seriously good pasta in less than 20 minutes time? Let’s do this!

STEP 1: Boil a large pot of water (add some salt to the water, as desired) and cook the chickpea pasta until al dente, according to the package directions.

STEP 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet set over medium-high heat until hot. Add the tomatoes.

STEP 3: Cook and stir the tomatoes until they get some brown spots, puff up, and begin to burst. Instant sauce!

STEP 4: Drain the pasta and add to the skillet of tomatoes. Toss and stir until combined.

STEP 5: Add the parsley, Vegan Parmesan Cheese, and salt & pepper to taste.

Grab a bowl and a fork, relax, and savor. We all need this right about now.

Can I make this with Canned Tomatoes?

Yes, in a pinch, canned tomatoes can fill in. Use two 15-ounce (425 g) cans whole tomatoes (drain, reserving the liquid) in place of the cherry tomatoes, breaking up the tomatoes with fingers or coarsely chop. Add some of the reserved liquid, as desired.

What can I Use in Place of the Vegan Parmesan Cheese?

One to three tablespoons of nutritional yeast, or 1/4 cup of finely chopped, toasted nuts or seeds (e.g., walnuts, hemp hearts, pepitas) can be used in place of the vegan Parmesan cheese. Store-bought vegan Parmesan is another option.

If you eat dairy, feel free to use grated Parmesan, Asiago or Romano cheese.

Happy eating!