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Pasta is a beloved comfort food, but it often lacks sufficient protein to keep us satisfied and energized.
We can transform traditional pasta dishes into nutritious, well-balanced meals by incorporating high-protein ingredients and opting for protein-enriched pasta varieties.
Here are 15 high-protein pasta recipes that combine taste and health, ensuring you enjoy every bite while meeting your dietary goals.
1. Spicy Cottage Cheese Pasta
Blend cottage cheese with marinara sauce to create a creamy, protein-rich base. Toss with your favorite pasta and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This dish offers a satisfying combination of flavors and a boost of protein.
Get the spicy cottage cheese pasta recipe.
2. One-Pan Tuna Pasta
Combine canned tuna with sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and olives in a light sauce made from pasta water and a touch of olive oil. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is both flavorful and high in protein, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the One-pan tuna pasta recipe.
3. Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
Swap traditional pasta for roasted spaghetti squash strands and top with grilled chicken and a creamy Alfredo sauce made with Greek yogurt. This low-carb alternative provides ample protein and a comforting, creamy texture.
Get the Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash recipe.
4. Protein-Packed Marry Me, Chicken Pasta
Sauté seasoned chicken pieces and combine with a creamy sauce made from blended cottage cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss with high-protein chickpea pasta for a dish that’s rich in flavor and protein.
Get the Protein-Packed Marry Me, Chicken Pasta recipe.
5. Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta with Ground Turkey
Prepare a sauce by blending cottage cheese with marinara, then mix with cooked ground turkey and your choice of pasta. This recipe offers a creamy, protein-rich alternative to traditional meat sauces.
Get the Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta with Ground Turkey recipe.
6. High-Protein Vegan ‘Marry Me Pasta’
Use lentil pasta as a base and toss with a creamy cashew sauce, butter beans, and a medley of vegetables. This plant-based dish is both satisfying and packed with protein, catering to vegan dietary preferences.
Get the High-Protein Vegan ‘Marry Me Pasta’ recipe.
7. Healthy One-Pot Pasta with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sauté chicken breast slices with sun-dried tomatoes, then simmer with pasta, light cream, Dijon mustard, and spinach. This one-pot meal is convenient and delivers a balanced mix of protein and vegetables.
Get the Healthy One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe.
8. High-protein pasta with Sausage and Broccoli
Cook lean chicken sausage with garlic and red pepper flakes, then toss with broccoli florets and whole-grain pasta. This dish combines the savory flavors of sausage with the nutritional benefits of broccoli and whole grains.
Get the High-protein pasta with Sausage and Broccoli recipe.
9. Linguine with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Sauté a variety of mushrooms with garlic and thyme, then stir in Greek yogurt to create a creamy sauce. Toss with whole-grain linguine for a meal that’s rich in umami flavors and protein.
Get the Linguine with Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe.
10. One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Combine diced chicken breast with marinara sauce, whole-grain pasta, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake until bubbly for a high-protein twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan.
Get the One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta
11. Shrimp Scampi with Chickpea Pasta
Sauté shrimp with garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of white wine, then toss with chickpea pasta. This dish offers the traditional flavors of scampi while boosting protein content through the use of legume-based pasta.
Get the Shrimp Scampi with Chickpea Pasta recipe.
12. Edamame Pesto Pasta
Blend edamame with basil, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to create a high-protein pesto sauce. Mix with your choice of pasta for a fresh and nutritious meal.
Get the Edamame Pesto Pasta recipe.
13. Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey
Layer whole-grain ziti with a mixture of ground turkey, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce. Bake until bubbly for a comforting, protein-rich casserole.
Get the Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey recipe.
14. Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti
Simmer lentils with tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs to create a hearty vegetarian Bolognese sauce. Serve over whole-grain spaghetti for a fiber and protein-packed dinner.
Get the Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti recipe.
15. Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles
Stir-fry firm tofu cubes with a colorful array of vegetables and toss with soba noodles in a savory soy-ginger sauce. This plant-based dish provides a balanced source of protein and nutrients.
Get the Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles recipe.
Incorporating these high-protein pasta recipes into your meal plan can help you enjoy the comforting nature of pasta dishes while meeting your nutritional needs.
