Regardless of whether it’s after a workout, practice or game, your body needs to replenish with carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats to recover and provide long-term energy reserves. Sometimes the activity ends right around mealtime, when you are craving something heartier than a snack. If that’s the case, your answer might be my “perfect post-workout pasta,” an easy recipe that’s also an old family favorite. Not only does it make for a great post-workout meal, it can also serve as a pre-workout meal or as a nutritious dinner anytime during the week. (Pasta lover? This maybe the diet you’ve been searching for.)

The Perfect Post-Workout Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound Barilla Plus spaghetti
• 2 cloves fresh garlic
• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Crushed red pepper (optional)
• 10-ounce package frozen spinach
• 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese (to taste)
• Fresh parsley

Directions

• Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
• While pasta is cooking, mince the fresh garlic (or save time and use one tsp. garlic from a jar) and brown it in two tbsp. olive oil (here is where I also add a little crushed red pepper flakes to “spice up” the recipe).
• Microwave the chopped spinach, according to package directions.
• When pasta is done, before draining the pot, save a cup of the pasta water to add later.
• Quickly drain spaghetti (but do not rinse) and return to the pot.
• Over low heat, add the olive oil, garlic and spinach mixture plus the ricotta cheese to the spaghetti.
• Mix until all ingredients are blended and distributed evenly.
• To add moisture if needed, add some of the saved pasta water and a little olive oil.
• Season the dish with grated parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.

This recipe makes four generous servings. Of the primary ingredients, the pasta provides carbs; the ricotta cheese provides quality whey protein (ricotta is made from whey drained from cheeses such as as mozzarella and provolone); the olive oil and ricotta offer healthy fats; and the spinach and garlic provide a plethora of micronutrients.
photo: allyjanegrossan.com