27 Easy High-Protein Pasta Recipes

Check out these high-protein pasta recipes the next time you need a hearty yet healthy meal.

With a few simple swaps and additions, you’ll hit your macros in no time!

Pasta is an affordable and quick dinner option. Unfortunately, it’s usually loaded with carbs and doesn’t offer a ton of protein. 

But these recipes change all that!

From rich pasta sauces to satisfying fillers, they won’t disappoint. But yet, they’ll knock your socks off!

So let’s check out some high-protein pasta recipes. I have a feeling you’ll want to bookmark this list!

1. High-Protein Vegan Mac and Cheese

High-protein and vegan aren’t two things you regularly hear together. Yet, that’s what this is.

So how does it do it? The secret lies within the sauce and the pasta. 

It cleverly masks red lentils as cheese sauce and uses chickpea pasta shells.  

Even with broccoli in the mix, it’s one that picky eaters will devour.

Grams of Protein: 30 grams

2. White Bean & Cauliflower Alfredo

Another deceptively high-protein recipe is this twist on classic Alfredo. 

At a glance, the protein looks like it comes in the form of cream. Lo and behold, the sauce incorporates blended white beans. 

There isn’t even an ounce of dairy in this dish. And you won’t miss it one bit!

Protein: 17.2 grams

3. Baked Feta Chicken Pasta 

Do yourself a favor and memorize this dish. You’re about to be making it all the time!

It’s one of those things that instantly makes me wonder why I didn’t think of it.  

You bake an entire block of feta with chicken, cherry tomatoes, and garlic. Stir pasta and basil in when it’s done baking. 

The family will love it. 

Protein: 42 grams

4. Protein Vegan Gochujang Spaghetti

Here’s a creative use of gochujang with an Italian twist. 

Gochuang makes it fiery hot and chickpeas pack it full of protein. So does the legume pasta. 

Use red lentil or yellow split pea spaghetti. Both will add their own flavor, but each goes well with the sauce.  

Protein: 22 grams

5. Creamy Balsamic Steak Pasta 

What happens when kitchen comfort meets fancy steakhouse? You get the ultimate pasta creation. 

A rich cheesy cream sauce smothers fettuccine. Resting on top is sirloin steak with the perfect amount of pink. 

Finish it off with gorgonzola and drizzle on the balsamic glaze.

Sounds incredible, huh? 

Protein: 37.2 grams

6. High-Protein Pasta Salad 

Potlucks, picnics, work lunches, or dinners, this pasta salad is appealing for many occasions. 

Fresh veggies, herbs, feta, and black olives pack it with Mediterranean flavors. 

As for the pasta, trade in the carbs for high-protein chickpea rotini. 

If you prefer another pasta shape, that works too. Just make sure it’s made with chickpeas or legumes. 

Protein: 11 grams

7. Chickpea Noodle Soup 

Clean eating and soul-warming, this chickpea noodle soup is nourishing. 

In a brothy base is a filling mix of pasta, chickpeas, veggies, garlic, and parsley.

It’s super flexible too. You can add different veggies and experiment with the spices.

I like to use chickpea pasta for an extra boost of protein.

Protein: 6 grams

8. Hummus Pasta 

Normally, my snacking turns hummus into a meal with crackers and veggies. 

But this 15-minute pasta gives me an excuse to turn it into dinner.

You use it as a pasta sauce replacement. 

Garlic hummus is best. I think red bell pepper works great, too.

Protein: 12.5 grams

9. Garlic Shrimp Pasta 

No seafood lover can pass on shrimp pasta. Especially one with garlic in the name!

Brimming with juicy shrimp, garlic, spring veggies, and whole-wheat linguine, it’s fresh as can be. 

There’s no need to mask it in a rich or robust sauce. Lemon juice, white wine, and parmesan are what you need.

Protein: 28 grams

10. Protein Pasta

A name like that doesn’t tell you much. But boy does it pique intrigue!

So let me ease your curious mind by telling you a little bit more. 

It’s cheesy, meaty, tomatoey, and full of protein pasta. Grab the garlic bread and help yourself to a serving. 

This family-style meal is all about comfort food. Well, that and a whopping 36 grams of protein!

Protein: 36 grams

11. Creamy Salmon Pasta 

Ever since I found this dish, I’ve been eating it weekly. 

Salmon is one of the best fish in the sea. The flaky and sweet meat is delectable. 

It also doesn’t hurt that it’s full of protein and Omega-3. 

Pair it with creamy pasta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for an irresistible dish.

Protein: 35 grams

12. High-Protein Sesame Noodles

Here’s a new 30-minute Meatless Monday recipe to try. 

You doctor up edamame spaghetti with tofu, sesame seeds, spring onions, and a spicy tahini sauce. 

It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly. You can also make it nut-free by swapping out the peanut oil. 

Protein: 21.4 grams

13. Cowboy Bean Pasta

There are so many reasons to add this pasta to the rotation. 

For starters, it’s budget-friendly. Next, it mainly uses pantry staples and frozen veggies. 

Lastly, it’s high-protein and flexible. I also love that it goes perfectly with barbecue. 

I’m thinking of ribs, cornbread, and collard greens. Does anyone else want a plate? 

Protein: 11 grams

14. High-Protein Lean Turkey Butternut Squash Pasta

Embrace brisk fall days and frigid winter weather with this cozy dish. 

It doubles up on lean meat with ground turkey and Italian turkey sausage. 

So it’s very meaty and savory. 

Yet, the butternut squash sauce adds a complementary sweet touch. 

Protein: 37 grams

15. Pasta Carbonara

Pasta carbonara is a classic Italian dish. The main highlights are eggs, cheese, and pork. 

So you know you’re in for a high-protein treat! 

This version also includes frozen peas. They add a pop of color and a sweet burst to break through the fat. 

Protein: 30.9 grams

16. Tuscan Chicken Pasta

You’ll want to devour every last bite of this rustic pasta. 

Diced chicken, short pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach are smothered in a dairy-free cream sauce.

Be sure to use plenty of garlic and parmesan cheese. 

Protein: 27 grams

17. Creamy High-Protein Mushroom and Spinach Pasta

If you want a high-protein sauce without the flavor of beans or meat, try this trick. 

You add nooch, paprika, lemon, and miso to silken tofu. It yields a flavorful cream sauce perfect for pasta. 

Protein: 37.2 grams

18. High-Protein Macaroni Salad

High-protein pasta doesn’t get any easier than this. You meld al dente macaroni with a creamy vegan dressing, peas, and white beans. 

See, it’s super easy!

Keep a bottle of the homemade dressing on hand and it’s ready in 10 minutes. 

If not, it only takes an extra 5 minutes and a blender to throw it together.

Protein: 30.8 grams

19. High-Protein Pesto Pasta With Chicken

If you like pesto sauce as much as me, you’ll put this pasta on repeat.

Whole wheat pasta, chicken, and cherry tomatoes are saturated with a Greek yogurt pesto.

The ingredients are minimal, it’s super quick, and anyone can make it.

Protein: 44 grams

20. Fettuccine Bolognese

Bolognese is an Italian tomato-based meat sauce that features beef. So it’s naturally packed with protein. 

Bold and savory, add it to fettuccine for a hearty meal. 

Between the carbs and the protein, you have plenty of fuel for some grueling activities. 

Although, you might just want to take a nap after this satisfying dish. 

Protein: 29 grams

21. Protein-Packed Thai Pasta Salad

This Thai and Italian fusion is so creative. 

The tender chickpea rotini is rife with bright crunchy veggies and a peanut butter sauce.

Fresh, nutty, and tangy, it’s a high-protein vegan pasta ready in 20 minutes. 

Grams of Protein: 22 grams

22. Caramelized Onion Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake

For holidays, family dinners, or dinners with friends, this high-protein bake is a crowd-pleaser. 

Not only that, but it feeds a crowd, too.

The combo of toothsome chicken, pasta, caramelized onions, and parmesan cream sauce is pure comfort food. 

Protein: 27.4 grams

23. Green Goddess Vegan Pasta Salad

Need a dish that everyone can enjoy? Bring this green goddess salad to the party. 

Meat-free and dairy-free, it’s glowing with a fresh vegan medley. 

Snap peas, broccoli, and spinach make the chickpea pasta pop.  

And the bright green goddess dressing is addicting. I make extra just to put on sandwiches, wraps, burritos, and more.

Protein: 14.6 grams

24. Peri Peri Chicken Pasta

Tonight’s dinner menu features peri peri chicken pasta. 

Peri peri is common in African cuisine. It’s used as a sauce or a seasoning. 

And this is one I crave when I want something spicy that meets my protein needs.

It’s flavorful, comforting, and packed with heat. 

Protein: 35.7 grams

25. Ground Turkey Pasta

If you prefer to tone down the heat, go with this lean protein pasta. 

It features ground turkey and pasta in a single cream passata sauce. 

Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a one-pot wonder you can make any night of the week. 

Protein: 32 grams

26. High-Protein Buffalo Tofu Mac and Cheese

Warning, this mac and cheese causes intense plant-based cravings. 

The tofu is breaded and covered in buffalo sauce. While a yummy cashew cream sauce smothers the high-protein pasta. 

Together, they create a sensational combination of flavors. 

Protein: 36 grams

27. Chicken Pasta Salad

Pasta salad should be easy, fresh, and tasty. And this one checks all those boxes. 

In every bite, you get chicken, tender pasta, and a ton of Mediterranean flavors. 

Ingredients like olives, tomatoes, arugula, and oregano make it super yummy. 

They also make it a well-balanced meal. Packed with protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals, it has everything you need. 

Protein: 27 grams