20 Protein Pasta Recipes

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These protein pasta recipes will boost your protein intake without sacrificing flavor. Combine the goodness of pasta with high-protein ingredients to whip up a hearty and satisfying lunch or dinner!

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Pasta with Chicken and Turkey

These pasta recipes made with lean chicken and turkey offer light yet protein-packed meal options. Whether you’re looking for spaghetti or cheesy pasta, you’ll find healthy and wholesome recipes bursting with flavor!

1
Green ceramic plate with pasta and chicken. A silver fork on the side with cilantro.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce is a delight for dinner. Cheesy Chicken Pasta will be your newest go-to meal. 
Check out this recipe
2
Two white ceramic bowls filled with saucy pasta, buffalo sauce and chicken. Gold forks off to the side.
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
A flavorful twist on classic comfort food, crock pot buffalo chicken pasta. A hassle-free, addicting dish that's perfect for busy days. 
Check out this recipe
3
Ground Turkey Meatballs
Ground Turkey Meatballs
These ground turkey meatballs are loaded with veggies and are a healthier twist to the Italian classic. Flavorful and simple, the entire family will request these weekly!
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4
Baked spaghetti and Meatballs
Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Easy, creamy one dish baked spaghetti and meatballs. This meal is the king of comfort, no boiling water necessary. Dump all the ingredients into one dish, throw in the oven and dinner is served.
Check out this recipe

Pasta with Beef and Pork

Indulge in these delicious beef and pork pasta recipes that are packed with protein, wholesome vegetables, and fresh herbs. These are the perfect recipes to refuel after a workout or to simply enjoy a comforting meal.

5
Pasta in a grey bowl with bacon and a fork.
Tagliatelle Carbonara
Tagliatelle carbonara with crispy pancetta is a must for a date night meal. Creamy, elevated and addictive.
Check out this recipe
6
Grey pottery bowl with noodles and pumpkin sauce and a silver fork.
Pumpkin Pasta Sauce With Sausage
Creamy, savory pumpkin pasta sauce is creamy, rich and super satisfying served with sausage crumbles. Ready in 30 minutes or less!
Check out this recipe
7
BLT Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad
This BLT Pasta Salad is a tasty side dish that's easy to whip up and a sure crowd pleaser. Crunchy bacon, crisp veggies, and al dente pasta in a creamy Ranch-flavored dressing make this pasta addictively good.
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8
White plate with saucy noodles and pepperonis.
Pepperoni Pasta
Pepperoni pasta with lean ground beef and jalapeño is a home run meal. Easy, tasty and loved by everyone. 
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9
White ceramic bowl with saucy noodles and garlic. Topped with green onions and chopsticks on the side.
Spicy Garlic Noodles
Spicy Garlic Noodles with ground beef are a knockout meal, elevated and so easy to make. Insanely good spicy sauce ready in 30 minutes. 
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10
White ceramic bowls with peanut noodles and green garnish. A silver fork on the side.
Peanut Spicy Noodles
When it comes to comfort food with a kick, few dishes can rival the allure of Peanut Spicy Noodles With Chicken. Ready in 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
11
Bowl with noodles and soup and a gold spoon on the side.
One Pot Lasagna Soup
Cozy season is here! Try this one pot lasagna soup, bold, full flavors. Hearty texture you will crave. The whole family will be impressed with this one pot dish. 
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Seafood Pasta

These recipes with shrimp, salmon, or tuna offer a healthy twist on delicious pasta dishes. Made with creamy sauces and fresh herbs, these protein-packed recipes make for a quick but protein-packed meal!

12
Grey bowls with texture on them. Filled with pasta, sausage and shrimp.
Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Pasta
Kickin' Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Pasta will be your favorite weeknight meal. Easy to whip up, healthier and full of creamy cajun flavor. 
Check out this recipe
13
White ceramic plate with pasta, cream sauce and salmon. A silver fork on the side.
Baked salmon pasta
Oven Baked Salmon Pasta is creamy and easy to make. Capers and spinach elevate the meal. A great comfort meal for you and the family. Ready in 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
14
Pesto pasta with salmon on top and parmesan.
Salmon Pesto Pasta
Salmon pesto pasta is a great, elevated dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes. The herbaceous, beautiful green pesto lights up the salmon and the pasta,
Check out this recipe
15
Shrimp Tortellini (Fra Diavolo)
Shrimp Tortellini (Fra Diavolo)
This Shrimp Tortellini in red sauce is a little spicy, garlicky and flat out delicious. A symphony of flavor with pillows of cheese tortellinis. 
Check out this recipe
16
Grey bowl with noodles and salmon.
Tahini Pasta With Salmon Bites
Tahini pasta with miso garlic butter salmon bites is a delicious, creamy and easy to whip up meal. Full of feel good ingredients and flavors. 
Check out this recipe
17
Tuna Pesto Pasta Tuna pesto pasta is such a great weeknight dinner, flavorful, easy and filling.
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Tuna pesto pasta is such a great weeknight dinner, flavorful, easy and filling.
Check out this recipe
18
Teriyaki Salmon noodles in a white bowl with a black fork in the bowl.
Teriyaki Salmon Noodles
Teriyaki Salmon Noodles are heaven on earth. This meal is so satisfying and fun to make during the week. Sweet, spicy, saucy and fresh.
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19
Noodles in a white bowl with a fork.
Miso Noodles
Miso noodles are easy, full of veggies and insanely tasty umami flavors. A nutritious, delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes
Check out this recipe

Tips for Increasing Protein in Pasta

  • Use “protein pasta” instead of regular pasta for higher protein and fiber and lower carbs. You can also use chickpea or lentil pasta.
  • Add blended cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise for a higher protein and a creamier texture for the pasta salads!
  • Add protein-rich vegetables like spinach, broccoli, peas, or asparagus.
  • Add nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts to your pasta for a protein boost and crunchy texture.
  • Double the meat for any recipe to double the protein content.

What to Pair with Pasta

The best part about pasta is that it goes well with so many delicious side dishes and appetizers! Here are some of our favorites:

Protein Pasta Recipes FAQs

Can I substitute protein pasta in any pasta recipe?

Yes, you can use protein pasta in most pasta recipes, but it might have a different texture and flavor than when using regular pasta. You’ll also need to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How can I make my protein pasta gluten-free?

To make sure your dish is gluten-free, use pasta that has a gluten-free label. Alternatively, you can use naturally gluten-free pasta like chickpea pasta, red lentil pasta, or quinoa.

Are these recipes meal-prep friendly?

Yes! It is possible to meal prep protein pasta dishes by cooking the pasta and preparing the sauces or toppings in advance and storing them separately. Place them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to eat, simply assemble your dish and enjoy!

More Pasta Recipes To Try

If you love these protein-packed pasta recipes, you’ll surely love these ones as well!

More Delicious Pasta Recipes


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