15 High Protein Pasta Recipes

Pasta doesn’t have to mean carb overload. With the right ingredients, it can turn into a protein-packed, satisfying meal that keeps you full for hours.

Simple swaps like chickpea pasta, Greek yogurt sauces, or lentils make a big difference without sacrificing taste.

If you love comfort food but want something more balanced, this list is for you. These 15 high-protein pasta recipes are easy, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights.


1. Creamy Chicken Spinach Protein Pasta

Tender chicken breast tossed with whole wheat pasta and a creamy Greek yogurt spinach sauce. This comforting dish is rich in protein and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole wheat pasta
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. Sauté garlic in olive oil.
  3. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  4. Stir in chicken and yogurt.
  5. Toss with pasta and season.

2. Turkey Bolognese Protein Pasta

Lean ground turkey simmered in rich tomato sauce served over protein pasta. A lighter twist on classic Bolognese packed with satisfying flavor and muscle-building protein.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups protein pasta
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Italian seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Brown turkey with onion and garlic.
  3. Add marinara and seasoning.
  4. Simmer 10 minutes.
  5. Serve over pasta.

3. Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta

This creamy Alfredo uses blended cottage cheese for a velvety texture and extra protein. It’s lighter than traditional sauce but just as comforting.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup Parmesan
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Blend cottage cheese until smooth.
  3. Heat with garlic and Parmesan.
  4. Toss with pasta and pepper.

4. Shrimp Garlic Lemon Pasta

Juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic and lemon tossed with high-protein pasta. Light, fresh, and perfect for a quick protein-rich dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups protein pasta
  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Parsley

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Sauté garlic and shrimp.
  3. Add lemon juice.
  4. Toss with pasta and parsley.

5. Lentil Mushroom Power Pasta

Hearty lentils and mushrooms combine for a plant-based protein pasta that’s filling, earthy, and perfect for vegetarians seeking a nutritious comfort meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1 cup mushrooms
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Sauté mushrooms.
  3. Add lentils and sauce.
  4. Combine with pasta.

6. Salmon Spinach Cream Pasta

Flaky salmon and fresh spinach tossed in a light cream sauce over protein pasta. A nutrient-dense meal loaded with protein and omega-3s.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 1 salmon fillet
  • 1 cup spinach
  • ½ cup light cream
  • Garlic

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Cook salmon and flake.
  3. Sauté garlic and spinach.
  4. Add cream and combine.

7. Beef & Broccoli Pasta

A high-protein twist on a classic favorite, combining lean beef strips and broccoli in a savory sauce tossed with hearty pasta.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 1 lb lean beef
  • 1 cup broccoli
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • Garlic

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Sauté beef and garlic.
  3. Add broccoli and soy sauce.
  4. Toss with pasta.

8. Chickpea Pesto Protein Pasta

Chickpeas add plant-based protein to this bright pesto pasta. Fresh basil and olive oil make it vibrant and satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 1 cup chickpeas
  • ½ cup pesto
  • Cherry tomatoes

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Toss with chickpeas and pesto.
  3. Add tomatoes and serve.

9. Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

A healthier take on mac and cheese using Greek yogurt and sharp cheddar for creamy texture and higher protein without heavy cream.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • Salt

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Stir in yogurt and cheese.
  3. Heat gently and season.

10. Tofu Veggie Stir-Fry Pasta

Crispy tofu cubes and colorful vegetables tossed with protein pasta for a satisfying meatless dish packed with plant-based protein.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 1 cup tofu cubes
  • Mixed vegetables
  • Soy sauce

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Sauté tofu until golden.
  3. Add vegetables and soy sauce.
  4. Toss with pasta.

11. Spicy Chicken Arrabbiata

Spicy tomato sauce with tender chicken breast over high-protein pasta. Perfect for those who love bold flavors and hearty meals.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 1 cup cooked chicken
  • 1½ cups spicy marinara
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Heat marinara with chicken.
  3. Add flakes and combine with pasta.

12. Eggplant Ricotta Protein Pasta

Roasted eggplant and creamy ricotta create a comforting, protein-rich vegetarian pasta that’s both satisfying and full of Mediterranean flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 1 cup roasted eggplant
  • ½ cup ricotta
  • Tomato sauce

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Roast eggplant.
  3. Mix with ricotta and sauce.
  4. Toss with pasta.

13. Tuna Tomato Protein Pasta

Canned tuna and tomato sauce create a quick, affordable, high-protein pasta meal perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 1 can tuna
  • 1 cup marinara
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Heat tuna and sauce.
  3. Toss with pasta.

14. Turkey Spinach Lasagna Skillet

All the flavors of lasagna in a quick skillet version using lean turkey and protein pasta sheets for a high-protein family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 1 lb lean turkey
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 cup marinara
  • ½ cup mozzarella

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Brown turkey.
  3. Add spinach and sauce.
  4. Mix with pasta and top with mozzarella.

15. Peanut Butter Chicken Protein Pasta

Savory peanut butter sauce coats tender chicken and protein pasta for a creamy, slightly sweet dish that’s both unique and protein-packed.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pasta
  • 1 cup cooked chicken
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • Garlic

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta.
  2. Warm peanut butter with soy sauce and garlic.
  3. Toss with chicken and pasta.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply