Who doesn’t love pasta? One way to put your restaurant business on the map is to add one mean pasta dish to your menu and patrons will begin to flood in like flies.
Key Takeaway: Now, a variety of options come to mind when types of pasta menus are discussed. Some popular wholesale pasta menu options that may strike your mind and make you salivate include carbonara, bolognese, and fettuccine alfredo among many others.
If you are looking to incorporate healthy menu options to your restaurant offerings, then protein pasta is a good call. Protein pasta is another delicacy that you won’t want to miss.
Wholesale food distributors can also add protein pasta to their bulk pasta offering or even create a pasta subscription box. Pasta protein is a great option to expand your product offering as well if you have a fresh pasta business.
The world is evolving and attention is rapidly drifting towards healthy diets and organic eating. As a result, protein clamor for higher protein consumption is on the rise.
Let’s look at some nutritional facts about protein pasta.
What is Protein Pasta?
Protein pasta is simply a meal prepared with enough protein sources alongside the pasta itself. Proteins used in this kind of pasta include lentils, quinoa, chickpeas among many others.
Protein pasta is high in fiber, lower in carbs and high in protein when compared to regular pasta. It is also described to help in muscle repairs and bodybuilding. It is a better choice for vegetarians who are also on the lookout to change their taste.
Nutritional Value of Protein Pasta
Here are some of the nutritional constituents that we can find in protein pasta.
- Proteins
Just from the name, you already know you are in for a protein platter if you’re choosing to eat protein pasta. Along with different types of wholesale grains, the protein content in the legumes is high.
The protein is responsible for muscle repair and immune boosting. Protein pasta conveniently aids energy refueling after long exercises. With more glycogen in the body system, you can be sure to have speedy repair of weakened or damaged body tissues.
- Low-Carb
Unlike the regular pasta, protein pasta is not high on carbohydrate at all. If you are looking to reduce your carb-intake, then, it is an excellent option.
With its characteristic combination of protein and complex carbohydrate, eating protein pasta will give you an unrivaled energy pump.
- More Micronutrients
Protein pasta offers an avalanche of other micronutrients. The available micronutrient depends on the protein-source combination. You’ll also have greater access to more antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.
Minerals ranging from iron, manganese, magnesium, amino acids, vitamins B, and phosphorus are all present when either of lentils, quinoa or chickpea is used. These nutrients are responsible for muscle relaxation, teeth growth, optimum nerve functionality, and strength among many other relevant purposes.
Types of Protein Pasta
Protein pasta comes in varieties. It depends on the kind of protein you have planned for the meal. The captivating thing is, each protein source has its own peculiar taste, texture and nutritional advantage.
Now, let us discuss more on the protein pasta options that you can have.
- Edamame Pasta
Edamame is a plant-based protein. And its combination with pasta is fast becoming popular. It is said to be high in fiber content as well as other macronutrients.
It has a green hue color and it is quite enticing. The edamame pasta has an earthy flavor that blends well with other sauces like the marinara. It has a tender texture that makes it the right choice for young and old.
- Chickpea Pasta
Made from grounded chickpea flour, chickpea pasta has a mild and nutty taste. It is a plant-based protein source. And it combines well with other sauces.
It is rich in fiber, iron, folate, and magnesium. Chickpea pasta is chewy in texture, so it is very satisfying. With chickpea pasta, you can be sure to have a filling and nourishing pasta.
- Lentil Pasta
Lentil is a leguminous plant that is quite rich in protein. Lentil pasta is made from green or red lentil flour. It has a peculiar earthy flavor that combines well with both traditional and innovative sauces.
Lentil pasta is high in dietary fiber. It aids satisfaction, easy digestion, and highly supports steady energy.
- Quinoa Pasta
If you are all-out for a protein pasta that is rich in amino acids, then, quinoa pasta is your pick. It has a remarkable nutritional profile. Quinoa is a description of complete protein.
This type of protein pasta has over eight essential amino acids. And, it is gluten-free, making it a better choice for people that are gluten-sensitive.
Quinoa pasta has a nutty and tender taste. You can create more tasteful meals because it syncs well with both sophisticated and simple sauces.
- Blended Multigrain
If you want to create sumptuous meals, you can make protein pasta with a blend of the combinations of any of the earlier-mentioned protein sources. Imagine you have a combo of chickpeas, lentils, and quinoa, you’re in for a treat.
The protein source combos offer a high-value nutritional profile as well as exciting tastes and texture. It is simply a whole new level of pasta dish.
How to Make Protein Pasta
Cooking protein pasta is quite simple. Here is a guide on how you can make it by yourself. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef before you can execute this guide to have your protein pasta on your table.
- Select your protein pasta: Choose any type of protein pasta that suits your needs. Each pasta has its own peculiar taste and nutritional values
- Boil water: Fill a pot with water and boil till it starts to bubble. Remember to add a pinch of salt, this will further enhance the taste of your pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Gradually add the pasta to the boiling water, ensuring it is an amount that you can finish. Stir at intervals to avoid stickiness. Keep an eye on the boiling pasta and ensure you achieve your most preferred tenderness. After you have achieved the tenderness, then carefully drain the excess water off the pasta and rinse with cold water. If your pasta comes out sticky, you may toss in a bit of olive oil.
- Prepare your Choice Sauce: This is the point you show your culinary skills. You may pair your protein pasta with your fave veggies, wholesale produce, proteins, and sauces. Your choice are boundless. Ensure you add enough cooked wholesale microgreens vegetables, grilled chicken, wholesale seafood, shrimp, and any other protein source in order to complement the flavor.
- Serve and enjoy your meal: To fully enjoy your protein pasta, you may need to garnish it with some organic herbs and spices, wholesale spices, and grated specialty cheese among many others.
Note that some of the kinds of pasta come with specific cooking instructions, and do well to adhere to those instructions. Otherwise, with this guide, you are fully equipped to cook your delicious protein pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Pasta
Protein pasta is a pointer to a whole world of possibilities. Ranging from the nuttiness of chickpea pasta, to the chewiness of lentil pasta, they all have a peculiar taste, texture, and nutritional value.
You can buy protein pasta and other wholesale restaurant supplies from any supermarket or from your wholesale pasta distributor and wholesale food distributors.
Here are some frequently asked questions about protein pasta:
Is Protein Pasta Gluten Free?
Protein pastas are gluten free, especially the quinoa pasta. Protein pastas are made from highly proteinous, low-carb, and high fiber containing ingredients. Naturally, these ingredients don’t support the presence of gluten.
What Recipes of Protein Pasta Can be Added to a Restaurant Menu?
Protein pastas are best enjoyed when you’re flexible and creative with your meal. Here are some of the meals you can add to your pasta bar menu:
- Quinoa primavera - Quinoa pasta with spring vegetables and Pesto
- Edamame fusion - Teriyaki-glazed edamame and crunchy toppings with Edamame Pasta
- Lentil Bolognese - Lentil pasta with lentil Bolognese sauce
- Chickpea pasta with roasted vegetables and lemon herb dressings
What is the Difference Between Protein Pasta and Regular Pasta?
Protein pasta is very different from regular pasta due to the following peculiarities:
- Low-carbohydrate content
- High nutritive value
- Constant energy supply
- Gluten-free