As soon as someone finds out I’m vegan, I get the question… “where do you get your protein?”. My answer: I get my protein the same place you do, plants! Yes plants have protein. I just choose not to get extra protein from animals. People are way too obsessed with protein intake, when in reality they should be more concerned with the amount of fibre, fruit and vegetables they are eating. I get it though. People want to know if living on a plant based is diet achievable. I’m here to tell you it is, and it’s delicious and nutritious! Especially with exciting new foods like black bean pasta.
How much protein do I eat?
On an average day I eat around 50-80g of protein. 45-50 would be a rest day, 80 would be a busy high activity/workout day. The recommended amount is 0.8grams per kg of bodyweight (or 0.36 per pound). This means I need around 45g minimum. You need a little more if you workout regularly, or if you are nursing. As a vegan I easily hit my protein requirement, and generally keep my macros around: 70% carbs; 15% protein; 15% fat; I know some people exist on a diet of low carbs and high protein but honestly I don’t understand why… carbs are not the enemy. Plus if a diet that says I can’t have pasta… I’m out. Pasta is life, and as a runner, cyclist, triathlete I love pasta!
Trader Joe’s Black Bean Rotini
If you are a pasta lover but want to boost your protein intake I have good news and it comes in just three words: Black Bean Pasta. Browsing the aisles at Trader Joe’s recently I spied their organic black bean rotini. As I love pasta and black beans this seemed like a no brainer. Plus I know this is going to look so much more appetizing than boring beige pasta. Seriously, regular pasta just looks bland compared to this right?
High Protein Pasta?
Incase you don’t know regular pasta has around 3g of protein per 2oz serving. This black bean pasta from Trader Joe’s has a whopping 14g of protein per 2oz serving! Ask me again where I get my protein. Seriously if you’re looking to up your nutrition game you need to be on the lookout for this stuff. A 2oz serving (dry) of black bean rotini has 200 calories, 1.5g fat, zero cholesterol and sodium, 35g carbs and 14g protein. Plus it contains 20% of your RDA for iron. Want to boost that iron content? Simply pair with vitamin C, like these cute and zesty cherry tomatoes, to triple the iron absorption.
Black Bean Pasta Bowl Recipe
- 3oz Trader Joe’s Organic Black Bean Rotini
- 1 cup Trader Joe’s Sugar Plum Tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped Mushrooms
- 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Frozen Edamame
serves 1
To cook the pasta bring water to a boil in a pan. Add pasta, stir gently. Return to a medium boil and cook for 8-10 minutes*. Do not overcook, this doesn’t take as long to cook as traditional pasta. In the 8-10 minutes prepare the other ingredients. In a pan add the mushrooms, edamame, tomatoes and Mrs Dash (or other seasonings). Cook over a medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Drain pasta and add to tomato mixture. Serve.
* This is also a great time add a steamer to the pan and steam some green vegetables. I served my pasta bowl with about a cup and half of broccoli. Look closely you’ll see some green flecks under the mass of pasta and tomatoes. Remember to eat your greens!!!
Black bean pasta bowl – nutrient breakdown
I know those of you that track calories and macro’s will be curious, so here is the nutrient breakdown for the pasta bowl (without the broccoli). It’s pretty good and easily adaptable to fit your goals. I chose to have a 3oz serving size, but you could easily just go with the recommended 2oz. I just really like pasta.
Calories: 464
Carbs: 71g – 57%
Fat: 7g – 13%
Protein: 37g – 30%
Taste Test
The question you’re all asking by now is “how does it taste?”. Well, it’s not like regular pasta for sure. It’s definitely got more substance to it’s flavor. I don’t know about you but regular pasta doesn’t really taste of much, which is why we have a tendency to smother it sauces. The black bean pasta definitely had more flavor than regular pasta, and yes I could taste a hint of black beans. But not overly so. I also found it was more filling than regular pasta, but that could also have been the bumper portion of broccoli I had with it. I enjoyed it a lot, and will definitely opt for this rather than regular pasta purely for the protein boost and the visual appeal. We eat with our eyes as well as our stomachs and I found the color of black bean pasta much more appealing.
Make it yours…
Obviously the best thing about pasta bowls is you can add different things each time making every single meal a little different. For this particular lunch I chose to add one and a half cups of broccoli, and a serving of Daiya cheddar cheese shreds. This took my meal totals to:
Calories: 592
Carbs 84g – 54%
Fat 13g – 13%
Protein 41g – 27%
Tracking this in myfitnesspal I saw that it contained 25% my calcium for the day, 50% of my iron, 150% vitamin C, 100% of my fiber, 60% of my protein, 35% of my carbs, and 35% of fat. Not only is it a boost for protein but a great way to add in micronutrients too!
Questions:
- What’s your favorite way to top pasta bowls?
- Have you tried any high protein pasta? Would you try it after seeing this recipe/review?
- What’s your favorite green vegetable?
7 Tips for using bathroom scales
anvita
OMG, just last week I was at Trader Joe’s about to pick up this packet. It’s a great way to feed my pre schooler protein, who is a vegetarian. I will get this next time
Di Hickman
Definitely try it!
Shayli
That looks so good! I love Trader Joe’s so much. I will definitely be trying this for sure
Di Hickman
Yes I love TJ too! So good!
laura londergan
OMG this looks amazing and something I would so eat – like every other night! lol I love TJ’s and always find the best stuff there
Di Hickman
TJ is the best!
Carolyn
Wow, I have never seen this type of pasta. I bet my kids would even try it since it looks cool. I do shop at TJ’s occassionally so I’ll keep my eyes out for it.
Di Hickman
So many options available now. Plus TJ always has new stuff.
OvenStruck
I’m going to have to try this. I’ve done the veggie rotini and really…..not a fan. Maybe black bean will be the answer when I don’t feel like making it from scratch!
Di Hickman
Not tried the veggie one, the black bean one definitely had the texture of wheat pasta. Worth a try,
Krystle Cook
This looks really delicious! I wish that I had a Trader Joes near me.
Di Hickman
They really need to get nationwide!
Blythe Alpern
I’m a huge fan of the Trader Joes black bean pasta. I’ve used it several times and it always tastes amazing. I just purchased a new version made from red lentils that I can’t wait to try.
Di Hickman
Ooohh sounds delicious! I’m waiting for a lasagne sheet in similar theme!
Victoria
This looks amazing, will definitely be making this soon!
Di Hickman
It’s delicious!
Rachel Catherine
This sounds really interesting! I love the idea of a pasta bowl that’s made out of black beans. I love both those things though so this is a given.
Di Hickman
I had you at pasta bowl 😉
Kristin
Ok, we have to give this a try in my house! After going gluten free, pasta is one of the things I’ve been missing the most!
Di Hickman
So many gluten free pasta options now! Trader Joes has about 5 different options
Angela Ricardo
I totally love this pasta recipe. It’s healthy plus looks absolutely delicious. I will definitely try this one!
Di Hickman
Yep, pasta without all the carbs, with all the protein!
Cara (@StylishGeek)
That looks so yummy! I have never tried cooking black bean pasta before but I will certainly try with your recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Di Hickman
It was delicious!
Nikki
I really wish we had a Trader Joes around us. My brother has one and does most of his shopping there. Maybe someday we’ll get one! This looks like a great way to mix up pasta and make it a bit healthier!
Di Hickman
Actually found some similar pasta from Ralphs too! Check out a store near you I think lots of brands are hopping on the trend
Reesa Lewandowski
Oh what an interesting pasta dish!!! I have never had black bean pasta. I love shopping at Trader Joe’s so I will have to try this one day!
Di Hickman
Definitely look out for it Reesa!
Lydia
I’ve never tried black bean pasta before but this sounds so delicious! I love Trader Joes, they always have the best food.
Di Hickman
I agree! TJ rocks!
Melissa
I love that pasta recipe for many reasons, but the most important was that my son would love it and he needs the protein. I will definitely get to Trader Joe’s and try that pasta and add some veggies and mushrooms.
Di Hickman
For sure! The protein bump is a nice bonus!
Seattle Travel Blogger
This looks like a wonderful dish!
I plan on sharing this with my dad.
Di Hickman
It was delicious!
Charlotte
ooo I’ve not seen this before! I love pasta but it can be quite unhealthy so I love healthier alternatives such as this!
Di Hickman
Yep it can be pretty much a lot of empty calories! Esp with cheesy sauces!
Jessi
Oh man this looks delicious! I wonder if I could get my Italian husband on board to try a different type of pasta lol
Di Hickman
hey you can try him!
Mandy Carter
WE tried these noodles the first time last month. I loved them but they were not a hit with kids. oh well, it will remain a mom meal!
Di Hickman
awwww that’s a shame. I saw some different ones at Ralphs today. I also have edamame noodles to try!
Katriza | Mommy Engineering
I would definitely like to try this! I’m not good with cooking with beans, it’s not something I grew up with! I’m always looking to learn though!
Di Hickman
It’s really easy! Literally meal in 10 minutes!
Brandi with Big Fit Fam
I have never heard of high protein posata, this would be great for my husband though, who is currently doing the crossfit open!
Di Hickman
Oh hell ya! Carbs for energy, with protein for muscles!
Sona Sethi
Honestly, I have seen black penne pasta for the first time. These look so healthy and delicious.
Di Hickman
So many types available! I saw some different ones at Ralphs today!
Kecia | From Mom's Desk
I have been working on cutting back carbs and increasing my protein. This pasta bowl looks like a great way to get more protein, for sure!
Di Hickman
Definitely! 41g is good!
Tereza
Oh nice, that sounds intriguing! I’ve had black spaghetti at Jamie’s once and it was delicious but I think that was coloured with squid ink rather than black beans! But it still had more of a flavour than normal pasta, just like you said! I like my pasta bowls with just a bit of parmesan on top and some spicy Cholula sauce on side haha
Di Hickman
oooh I should have added some sriracha sauce to the tomato/mushrooms! Dangit!
Heather Garcia
I have never tried black bean pasta, but I love black beans and pasta so I would definitely give it a try! I need to make a trip to Trader’s Joe and grab a bag of this!
Di Hickman
Definitely! It’s great!
Krystel | Disney on a Budget
Trader Joes always takes the win. I would like to try this because I am curious about the taste after your description. Might have to head over.
Di Hickman
Trader Joes is the bomb diggety!
Ana De- Jesus
I had no idea that there was such thing as black bean pasta but it sounds amazing. It is a great way of getting protein into your diet x
Di Hickman
always looking to boost the protein!
Morgan
I was just at Trader Joes today! I don’t think I have seen those before, but they sure sound like a good thing!
Di Hickman
THey hide things all the time! I found nutritional yeast last week!
Janel Berchielli
I have never heard of black bean pasta before. Is there any wheat in it? I’d likely just prefer to eat black beans myself.
Di Hickman
Nope no wheat. It’s a great alternative for gluten free/celiacs etc. Plus you get the texture of pasta
The Spirited Sloth
Oh wow this looks delicious. Especially with all that cheese on top at the end!
Di Hickman
Thanks! I admit I like my cheesy toppings 🙂
karen
Black bean pasta is something I have never tried, but am now intrigued! I am ALL about pasta – and want to get in my protein so I need to add this to the next Trader Joes shopping list asap!
Di Hickman
Definitely a good item to add to your menu for the week!
robin Rue
Pasta bowls are one of my favorite things to eat! I need to get over to my local Trader Joe’s to pick up the stuff to make this!!
Di Hickman
Love trader joes! Always something new coming in!