High Protein Pasta Recipes

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)

Whether you prefer creamy sauces, zesty marinades, or hearty veggie–packed dishes, there’s something here to delight every palate.

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. Tofu pasta

Combining tofu and pasta is an easy and effective way to create a fulfilling, nourishing plant-based meal with plenty of protein.

This tofu bolognese you can assemble for a quick and easy dish in less than 30 minutes.

Protein content per serving: 23 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

Lentil bolognese is an excellent recipe for those trying to incorporate more plant-based protein and fiber into their diet.

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

• Butternut squash ravioli
• Tortellini soup
• Kale pesto pasta
• Spaghetti pomodoro
• Chickpea pasta salad