Welcome to our roundup of the best high–protein pasta recipes, where flavor meets nutrition in every delicious al dente bite.
Prepare for a journey of wholesome plant–based ingredients, vibrant flavors, and satisfying textures.
From classic Italian–inspired meals to innovative twists on traditional favorites, each dish delivers exceptional taste and a generous dose of wholesome protein to support your dietary goals.
Some sources of protein in this roundup are:
- Legumes and pulses (lentils, chickpeas, and beans)
- Peas
- Nuts (almonds, pine nuts, and walnuts)
- Cheese or dairy–free cheese (ricotta and parmesan)
Grab your apron, fire up the stove, and prepare for a world of protein–rich pasta perfection.
1. Lentil pasta
Lentil pasta is a nutritious, tasty, and wholesome traditional Italian recipe called pasta e lenticchie (pasta with lentils).
It is made with ditalini pasta cooked in a rich, flavorful, tomato-infused stew.
Protein content per serving: 23 grams
2. Mushroom Alfredo
This creamy mushroom Alfredo pasta can be made with dairy or non-dairy ingredients in 15 minutes, making it a protein-rich and satisfying dinner.
Pasta with Alfredo sauce is a popular Italian-inspired American recipe, and our version offers an extra flavor dimension with added browned mushrooms.
Protein content per serving: 17 grams.
3. Marry me tofu pasta
Combining tofu and marry me pasta is an easy and effective way to create a fulfilling, nourishing plant-based meal with plenty of protein.
Protein content per serving: 25 grams.
4. Roasted pepper pasta
You can make the creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce while the pasta cooks, which is convenient for a last-minute dinner.
Blend the ingredients until smooth, then cook them in a pan for 10 minutes and toss in the pasta.
Protein content per serving: 18 grams.
5. Mushroom ragu
This mushroom ragu is an easy and versatile meatless alternative to Bolognese sauce, and it’s excellent for a protein–rich family dinner.
You can make it in just over 30 minutes with simple, affordable ingredients.
Protein per serving: 22 grams
6. Lentil bolognese
Lentils can replace ground meat because they have a rich, earthy taste, maintain texture, and are rich in minerals, iron, and plant protein.
Protein per portion: 15 grams
7. Orecchiette with broccoli rabe
You’ll love this orecchiette with broccoli rabe because it’s easy, comforting, and nutritious.
Our recipe shows you how to transform your pasta into a satiating high-protein vegetarian meal by adding plant-based sausage.
Protein per serving: 32 grams
8. Pasta e fagioli
Pasta and beans provide plenty of wholesome plant protein and other nutrients to help you stay satiated and fulfilled for several hours.
This soup is healthy, satiating, delicious, and cooked in one pot.
Protein per serving: 17 grams
9. Penne arrabbiata with sausage
Our following pasta recipe adds delicious plant-based sausage to transform traditional penne arrabbiata into a nutritious, tasty, high-protein dinner.
It’s excellent as a weeknight dinner, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make with simple ingredients like canned tomatoes, garlic, chili, and parsley.
Protein per serving: 25 grams
10. White bean aglio e olio
Everyone knows spaghetti aglio e olio, a classic Italian pasta dish that’s become an international sensation thanks to its simplicity and taste.
Our white bean aglio olio is our twist on this famous pasta dish. The beans add plenty of creaminess to your pasta and improve its nutrition by adding healthy fiber and protein.
Protein per serving: 12 grams
11. Lemon ricotta pasta
You’ll love our lemon ricotta pasta recipe because it has a creamy, light texture and refreshing, lemony flavor.
The combination of ricotta, parmesan, and rigatoni pasta offers plenty of protein, and you can boost your vegetable intake by including roasted broccoli, roasted cauliflower, and sautéed mushrooms.
Protein per serving: 24 grams
12. Pesto pasta
Our next protein pasta is a quick, easy basil pesto pasta with a dairy-free alternative.
Pesto pasta is a creamy, tasty, easy-to-make meal for a quick vegetarian lunch or a healthy dinner.
Protein per serving: 14 grams
13. Asparagus pasta
You will fall in love with this asparagus pasta because it’s easy to make, yet it’s a restaurant-worthy dish.
This recipe is free from butter and heavy cream; we use a bit of parmesan to bring out the asparagus flavor.
Protein per serving: 20 grams
14. Cauliflower pasta
In this easy pasta recipe, roasted cauliflower florets are paired with a delicious garlic, olive oil sauce, lemon zest, and toasted pine nuts.
Our cauliflower pasta is everything you want for a delicious and easy everyday dinner.
Protein per serving: 19 grams
15. Butternut squash pasta
Butternut squash is a wholesome and versatile autumn vegetable that makes a fiber–rich and creamy pasta sauce.
You can make anything with it, from gnocchi and ravioli to risotto and this scrumptious and creamy butternut squash pasta.
Protein per serving: 25 grams
16. Zucchini pasta
You can make this zucchini pasta with fresh herbs, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, and a dollop of Greek or non-dairy yogurt.
This protein-rich pasta comes together in about 20 minutes; it’s nutritious, creamy, fulfilling, and light and zesty.
Protein per serving: 21 grams
17. Kabocha squash pasta
This vegetarian pasta is a vibrant and comforting meal and a brilliant way to camouflage veggies in your pasta sauce.
You can expect familiar flavors and a rich, creamy texture, making this pasta dish irresistible.
Protein per serving: 25 grams
18. Pasta e ceci
Pasta e ceci represents the essence of Italian cooking: affordable ingredients, bold flavors, and a satisfying and nourishing meal for the whole family.
Pasta and nutty chickpeas work wonderfully together, both nutritionally and flavor-wise.
Protein per serving: 19 grams
19. Kale pasta
Our kale pasta combines Italian pasta and a creamy, luscious sauce with tasty sautéed kale, creamy ricotta, and savory parmesan cheese.
This is a quick, tasty, and satisfying recipe you can enjoy as an easy dinner when you don’t have much time to cook.
20. Hummus pasta
The next protein-rich pasta on our list is this easy meal, which is ready in less than 30 minutes and made with homemade hummus or your favorite storebought brand.
Hummus and pasta are a tasty and protein–nutritious combination; to make this pasta dish even more delicious, we like to add sauteed mushrooms.
Protein per serving: 20 grams
21. Vegan mushroom pasta
An Italian dish inspires our vegan mushroom pasta recipe with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.
The pasta is chewy and al dente. The sauce is naturally creamy, earthy, garlicky, and sweet from the cherry tomatoes.
Protein per serving: 17 grams
22. Broccoli pasta
This easy Italian-inspired recipe will please the pickiest of eaters because of its rich taste and luscious texture.
Broccoli pasta is ready in 20 minutes with a few simple ingredients and offers balanced vegetable and protein nutrition.
Protein per serving: 16 grams
23. Creamy lemon pasta
Lemon pasta is an evolution of Italian aglio olio with the addition of lemon zest, lemon juice, and optionally parmesan cheese.
The resulting sauce is rich, creamy, zesty, and refreshing, and paired with al dente Italian pasta creates a simple yet satisfying meal.
Protein per serving: 16 grams
24. Cauliflower Alfredo pasta
You’ll love this veggie–packed Alfredo because it’s lighter than the original, but it’s still tasty, fulfilling, and ready in 30 minutes.
Ricotta, parmesan cheese, and butter add protein to this pasta dish, which can easily be made dairy–free and vegan–friendly.
Protein per serving: 18 grams
25. Pesto pasta salad
Pesto pasta salad is a quick meal with your favorite pesto and fresh veggies.
It’s packed with fresh flavors and excellent for potlucks or a delightful dinner with your family.
Protein per serving: 15 grams
More protein-rich pasta recipes
High Protein Pasta: Penne Arrabbiata
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste, or one thinly sliced red chili
- 28 ounces whole canned peeled tomatoes 1 large can
- 1 teaspoon salt or more to taste
- 4 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley chopped
- 12 ounces penne pasta + 3 quarts/12 cups/3 Liters water and 1½ tablespoons/21 grams sea salt
- 2 plant-based sausages optional – 3.2oz/90 grams each + 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 clove of garlic, and 2 twists of black pepper
Instructions
MAKE THE ARRABBIATA SAUCE
- Add 28 ounces whole canned peeled tomatoes to a bowl. Rinse the can with 1 cup water and add that too. Chop the tomatoes into smaller pieces with scissors or crush them with your hands.
- Heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Add 3 cloves garlic (minced) and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes and sauté on low heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Don't burn the garlic.
- Add the tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, and simmer on medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.Taste and adjust for salt and chili before adding the pasta.
ADD THE PASTA
- In the meantime, cook 12 ounces penne pasta in salted boiling water as per package instructions minus 1 minute.Reserve 1 cup of cooking water, drain the pasta, and add it to the arrabbiata sauce.
- Add 4 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and finish cooking while tossing for 1 minute or until the pasta is al dente.
MAKE IT A MEAL with SAUSAGE (OPTIONAL)
- While the sauce simmers, peel 2 plant-based sausages and break them into small bite-size pieces.As you do so, apply pressure with your fingers to compact each piece.
- Sauté the plant-based sausage bits with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 clove crushed garlic, and 2 twists black pepper for 5 minutes or until browned.
- Toss the sausage bits with the sauce and the pasta right before serving.
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Notes
Nutrition
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