Pasta Dishes Packed With Protein And Flavor

Carb up for more mass with these pasta dishes packed with protein and flavor.

- Devin Alexander

To most fitness buffs, pasta is too low in protein and too high in carbs to be a physique friendly meal choice—but that’s shortsighted. For starters, it’s one of the few foods nearly every guy can make. And, if you substitute a more nutrient-rich noodle—such as whole wheat or legume-based—in place of traditional semolina, you get a lower-carb, ultra-low-fat, and higher-fibre meal that even allows you to sneak in all the vegetables you “forgot” to eat during the day. We’ve added protein as well, with various lean meats and seafood, to give you five delicious options that will support your workouts and make a nice dinner for two (just double the ingredients). In case you forgot, women love pasta, too, so now you’ve finally got some muscle meals you can both eat. It’s better than cutting her in on another serving of chicken and rice.

PESTO SHRIMP LINGUINE WITH KALE & SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

1 tbsp jarred pesto sauce

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

6 oz large, peeled, grilled (or steamed) shrimp (about 20–25)

1 cup chilled, cooked whole-wheat linguine pasta

1 cup shredded kale leaves

¼ cup sun-dried tomato slivers

½ tsp minced fresh garlic

1.Mix pesto with vinegar.

2. Place shrimp, pasta, kale, tomatoes, and garlic in a serving bowl. Toss with the pesto sauce. Enjoy immediately or chill and serve later.

THE MACROS

493 CALORIES

58g PROTEIN

52g CARBS

9g FAT

CHICKEN RICOTTA BOW TIE PASTA

SERVES 1

4 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips

½ cup yellow squash rounds

½ cup zucchini rounds Garlic powder