High-Protein Rotini with Tray-Baked Veggies & Creamy Lemon Cashew Sauce (Power-Packed & Easy)
High-protein rotini with tray-baked veggies and creamy lemon cashew sauce. An easy, plant-based pasta dinner perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
Tray-Baked Veggies
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 large bell pepper sliced (any color)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 12 ounces Barilla High Protein Rotini
- Creamy Lemon Cashew Sauce
- ¾ cup raw cashews soaked 10 minutes in hot water
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 small garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ½ –¾ cup water adjust for desired consistency
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil chopped
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- Extra lemon zest for finishing
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Veggies
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Add the broccoli, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas to a large sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss until everything is evenly coated. Spread the vegetables into a single layer to ensure proper browning.
Step 2: Tray Bake Until Golden
- Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through. The vegetables should be tender with caramelized edges, and the chickpeas lightly crisped. This roasting step builds deep, savory flavor.
Step 3: Cook the High-Protein Rotini
- While the vegetables bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Barilla High Protein Rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Cashew Sauce
- Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender with lemon juice, lemon zest, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
- Add the cooked rotini and tray-baked veggies to a large bowl. Pour the lemon cashew sauce over the top and toss gently until evenly coated, using a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Finish with fresh herbs, extra lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Ingredient Notes
- Barilla High Protein Rotini holds up well for leftovers and doesn’t get mushy
- Chickpeas add extra protein and crisp beautifully when roasted
- Nutritional yeast gives the sauce a savory, cheesy depth without dairy
- Raw cashews create the creamiest texture when soaked and blended