High-Protein Nutty Pasta

When nothing else in the house will make up a good snack or meal this can be vegetarian, quick, very filling, and delicious. We are always looking for high protein and fast-to-make meals and this one is our current favorite. We always have some pasta around ... what's not to love? Serve hot or cold topped with your favorite salad dressing, and additional sunflower seeds, if desired.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 347 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
• 1 drizzle extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan-Romano cheese blend
• 1 (8 ounce) package quinoa pasta
• ¼ cup diced tofu
• 2 tablespoons sliced or slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons minced pimentos

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add olive oil and quinoa pasta. Boil until pasta is tender yet firm to the bite, 13 to 15 minutes. Drain pasta.

Step 2

Toss together tofu, feta cheese, Parmesan-Romano cheese, pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds, pimentos, and parsley in a large salad bowl. Add hot pasta and butter and toss together until butter is melted.