There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm pasta bowl — especially on days when you want comfort without feeling weighed down.
With a few simple choices, your pasta can be both cosy and nutrient-rich, offering steady energy and plant-powered protein to support hormonal balance and midlife vitality.
Here are three delicious pasta bowl ideas that bring together comfort, colour, and veggie protein boosts.
🍝 1. Chickpea & Spinach Wholegrain Pasta
Why it works: Chickpeas add fibre and plant protein, while spinach brings iron and minerals that support energy.
Ingredients:
- Wholegrain or lentil pasta
- 1 cup chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Sea salt & pepper
How to make it:
Sauté the garlic and chickpeas, add spinach until wilted, then toss with warm cooked pasta. Finish with lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.
Protein Boost:
Add a scoop of LiveGood Complete Plant Protein into a small amount of warm pasta water and stir into the sauce for a creamy texture.
🍅 2. Tomato, Basil & Lentil Fusilli
Why it works: Lentil-based pasta is naturally high in protein, making it a simple way to upgrade a classic dish.
Ingredients:
- Lentil fusilli
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: dollop of ricotta
How to make it:
Halve cherry tomatoes, warm them in a pan with olive oil, and toss with cooked lentil pasta. Add basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Protein Boost:
Sprinkle hemp seeds or chopped walnuts on top for extra plant-powered nutrition.
🥦 3. Creamy Broccoli & Pea Protein Bowls
Why it works: Broccoli and peas offer natural plant protein, plus vitamins that support digestion and hormonal balance.
Ingredients:
- Wholegrain pasta or gluten-free shells
- Steamed broccoli
- Peas
- A light cream sauce (Greek yogurt or plant-based alternative)
- Garlic powder
- Lemon zest
How to make it:
Stir together pasta, steamed veggies, and a simple cream sauce. Brighten with lemon zest.
Protein Boost:
Blend a small amount of LiveGood Complete Protein into the creamy sauce for added protein without changing the flavour.
🌟 Comfort Food Can Be Nourishing
Pasta can be both comforting and energising with just a few nutrient-rich additions.
By adding chickpeas, lentils, greens, or plant-based proteins, you create bowls that support:
✔ Steady blood sugar
✔ Midlife energy
✔ Hormonal balance
✔ Feeling full and satisfied (without heaviness)
Comfort food can be nourishing — all it takes is a few thoughtful choices.
