When you need a quick dinner, you need high-protein pasta recipes at your fingertips. Not only is pasta super easy to make, but it’s also the perfect vehicle for adding vegetables and delicious herbs to your diet.
However, not all pasta recipes are rich in protein. Some popular pastas are quite low in protein. Although pasta contains some protein, it is primarily composed of carbohydrates. But don’t worry! There are many ways to boost the protein content of your favorite pasta.
9 High-Protein Pasta Recipes
You can make high-protein pasta recipes without sacrificing flavor. The following high-protein pasta recipes take cheese, lentils, meat, and other simple ingredients to a new level.
These options provide at least 20 grams of protein per serving.
1.Baked Macaroni Casserole
This high-protein pasta recipe gets an efficient amount of protein from lean turkey. The spinach adds some much-needed iron and vitamins, while the artichoke hearts bring fiber and potassium.
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 286; Total fat: 7 g; Saturated fat: 2 g; Monounsaturated fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 57 mg; Sodium: 400 mg; Carbohydrates: 28 g; Dietary fiber: 7 grams; sugar: 7 grams; protein: 31 grams
2.Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
This recipe uses tender chicken breast to increase the protein content of the pasta. Broccoli adds a perfect combination of vitamins and fiber. Alfredo Sauce is made with cashews and coconut milk, giving you healthy fats and a creamy texture, and is dairy-free.
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 365; Total fat: 12 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Monounsaturated fat: 1 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 314 mg; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Dietary fiber : 7 grams; sugar: 4 grams; protein: 38 grams
3.Instant Pot Rotini with Chicken and Green Peppers
This incredibly high-protein pasta recipe contains nearly 50 grams of protein per serving. This is thanks to the addition of chicken breast. The fiber in whole wheat rotini is an added bonus.
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 407; Total fat: 11.2 g; Saturated fat: 2.5 g; Monounsaturated fat: 4.5 g; Cholesterol: 78.6 mg; Sodium: 707 mg; Carbohydrates: 66.6 g; Dietary fiber : 10 grams; sugar: 4.1 grams; protein: 48.5 grams
4.Faster Skillet Lasagna with Ground Turkey
This low-fat dish gets its protein from a variety of ingredients. There’s lean ground turkey, cottage cheese and part-skim mozzarella cheese. Vegetables, on the other hand, add fiber and essential vitamins.
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 425; Total fat: 8 g; Saturated fat: 2 g; Monounsaturated fat: 2 g; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Sodium: 528 mg; Carbohydrates: 45 g; Dietary fiber : 14 grams; sugar: 6 grams; protein: 34 grams
5.Grilled Tomato and Shrimp Pasta
This high-protein pasta recipe gets its protein from prawns. Shrimp roe also provides omega-3 fatty acids. Roasted cherry tomatoes add antioxidants and natural sweetness.
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 419; Total fat: 10 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Monounsaturated fat: 5 g; Cholesterol: 220 mg; Sodium: 504 mg; Carbohydrates: 49 g; Dietary fiber : 2 grams; sugar: 7 grams; protein 38g
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6.Smoked Salmon Alfredo
The star of this recipe is the smoked salmon. However, the combination of Parmesan and cream cheese also increases the protein content while maintaining creaminess and richness.
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 422; Total fat: 15 g; Saturated fat: 8 g; Monounsaturated fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 36 mg; Sodium: 540 mg; Carbohydrates: 48 g; Dietary fiber: 7 grams; sugar: 4 grams; protein: 24 grams
7.Chicken Alfredo
This high-protein pasta recipe puts a healthier spin on classic Alfredo pasta. It uses shredded chicken breast to provide most of the protein and adds more cream cheese and Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 333; Total fat: 13 g; Saturated fat: 8 g; Monounsaturated fat: 2 g; Cholesterol: 82 mg; Sodium: 465 mg; Carbohydrates: 23 g; Dietary fiber : 4g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 29g; Net Carbs: 19g
8.Whole Wheat Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Vegetables
The Italian Chicken Sausage in this dish provides you with a good amount of protein. Plus, its pesto has added healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, which add rich flavor.
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 572; Total Fat: 40 grams; Sodium: 684 mg; Total Carbohydrates: 47 grams; Dietary Fiber: 7 grams; Sugars: 5 grams; Protein: 34 grams
9.Creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken and Kale
This all-time favorite high-protein pasta recipe is packed with protein in a sneaky way by adding tender chicken. It’s also packed with fiber and vitamins from butternut squash and antioxidant-rich kale.
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 317; Total fat: 8 g; Saturated fat: 5 g; Monounsaturated fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 64 mg; Sodium: 408 mg; Carbohydrates: 28 g; Dietary fiber: 6 grams; Sugar: 6 grams; Protein: 30 grams; Net carbs: 22 grams
Well-balanced pasta
These pastas provide just the right amount of protein per serving. This may be all you need, depending on how much protein you consume in other meals and snacks throughout the day.
Plus, you can increase the protein content of any of these by following the tips from the protein heavyweights above. Add chicken, seafood or sausage and cover on top.
Vegetarians and vegans, consider adding tofu, tempeh, lentils, or plant-based sausage to boost protein in these or any of your favorite pasta dishes.
1.Vegetable Baked Penne
Estimated nutritional information (Per Serving): Calories: 311 Total Fat: 10 g Saturated Fat: 1 g Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g Cholesterol: 11 mg Sodium: 438 mg Carbohydrates: 43 g Dietary Fiber: 4 g ;Sugar: 6g;Protein: 14g
2.Asparagus and Peas Pasta Bowl
Estimated nutritional information (Per Serving): Calories: 359; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g; Cholesterol: 22 mg; Sodium: 251 mg; Carbohydrates: 59 g; Dietary Fiber: 6 g ;Sugar: 5g;Protein: 13g
3.Lentil Bolognese Pasta
Estimated nutritional information (Per serving): Calories: 337 Total fat: 4 g Saturated fat: 2 g Monounsaturated fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 1 mg Sodium: 484 mg Carbohydrates: 68 g Dietary fiber: 15 g Sugar: 8g; Protein: 13g
4.Gnocchi Cauliflower Skillet Casserole
Estimated nutritional information (Per serving): Calories: 308 Total fat: 8 g Saturated fat: 3 g Monounsaturated fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 43 mg Sodium: 592 mg Carbohydrates: 40 g Dietary fiber: 4 g Sugar: 5 grams; protein 19 grams
5.Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom and Kale Pasta
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 391; Total fat: 14 g; Saturated fat: 6 g; Monounsaturated fat: 2 g; Cholesterol: 23 mg; Sodium: 588 mg; Carbohydrates: 52 g; Dietary fiber : 6 grams; sugar: 3 grams; protein: 10 grams
6.BLT Summer Pasta Salad
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 245; Total fat: 14 g; Saturated fat: 2 g; Monounsaturated fat: 2 g; Cholesterol: 59 mg; Sodium: 309 mg; Carbohydrates: 21 g; Dietary fiber : 7 grams; sugar: 6 grams; protein: 10 grams
7.Mushroom Salad Dressing
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 351; Total fat: 15 g; Saturated fat: 6 g; Monounsaturated fat: 5 g; Cholesterol: 66 mg; Sodium: 466 mg; Carbohydrates: 50 g; Dietary fiber : 5 grams; sugar: 4 grams; protein 13 grams
Interesting facts: MyFitnessPal users like to eat high-protein foods: On average, users with weight loss goals get 24% of their calories from protein.
8.Vegan Double Cauliflower Fettuccine Alfredo
Estimated nutritional information (Per Serving): Calories: 380 Total Fat: 12 g Saturated Fat: 2 g Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 522 mg Carbohydrates: 51 g Dietary Fiber: 11 g ;Sugar: 10g;Protein: 9g
9.Grilled Ratatouille Pasta
Estimated nutritional information (Per Serving): Calories: 322 Total Fat: 9 g Saturated Fat: 1 g Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 589 mg Carbohydrates: 52 g Dietary Fiber: 9 g ; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 10g
10.Roasted Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Estimated nutritional information (per serving): Calories: 333; Total fat: 10 g; Saturated fat: 5 g; Monounsaturated fat: 1 g; Cholesterol: 28 mg; Sodium: 393 mg; Total carbohydrates: 40 g; Dietary Fiber: 5 grams; Carbohydrate: 2 grams; Protein: 18 grams
11.One Pot Pasta with Cauliflower, Lemon and Olives
Estimated nutritional information (Per Serving): Calories: 311 Total Fat: 15 g Saturated Fat: 4 g Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g Cholesterol: 17 mg Sodium: 651 mg Carbohydrates: 47 g Dietary Fiber: 9 g ; Sugar: 5 grams; Protein 12 grams
Frequently Asked Questions about High Protein Pasta Recipes
Still have questions about increasing the protein content of your pasta? Below is an overview of the most frequently asked questions.
Which pasta has the highest protein content?
Traditional pasta is not a source of protein. Try different types of pasta that are higher in protein, including:
- soy pasta
- Edamame Pasta
- Chickpea Pasta
Can protein pasta help you lose weight?
Absolutely! High-protein foods can help you feel fuller longer and aid in weight management.
Can protein powder be added to pasta?
Yes you can! Mixing protein powder into the sauce that goes with your pasta is a convenient way to boost the protein content of your pasta. Try some unflavored options so you won’t notice the difference.
Bottom Line: Healthy Protein Pasta You’ll Love
Making high-protein pasta doesn’t have to be complicated science. The above recipes contain plenty of protein to satisfy your appetite and provide you with energy for the day. If you’re looking for more inspiration for eating healthier, discover more recipes in the MyFitnessPal app!
The post High-Protein Pasta Recipes You’ll Love appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.
