20 High Protein Pasta Recipes That'll Keep You Fueled Up
Because pasta is an essential food group to us, TBH.
In our eyes, pasta is an essential food group, especially when it comes to easy dinner recipes you can make on the fly. So we thought we'd do one better and sneak a bit of protein to all of our favorite pasta recipes to stay full and satisfied all day. No matter what your goal is here (just trying to make pasta a bit more filling, need to add more protein into your life, working on those "gains," etc.), these pasta dishes are that great combination of deliciously hearty, without weighing you down. We've also got plenty of vegan and vegetarian protein options on top of all our favorite shrimp pasta and chicken pasta recipes, so everyone can feel included with these 20 high protein pasta dinners!
If you're accustomed to just throwing in some random bits of leftover chicken or cans of beans to your pasta to bulk it up with protein, we'd love to help you spruce up your usual routine. In fact, there's a lot of tasty ways to add protein to your pasta that makes it a whole event in itself but comes together in one pan. Sound too good to be true? You'll believe it once you try our recipes for one-pan tuna pasta, one-pot shawarma chicken and orzo skillet, and our one-pot vegetarian chili mac.
Speaking of vegetarians, do you think you really know all the ways to add protein to your dinner? Well, we're here to say there's way more out there than just plant-based meat substitutes and beans. If you've yet to experiment with cottage cheese, now is the time; Our spicy cottage cheese pasta and cottage cheese alfredo are about to become mainstays in your kitchen. Not feeling cheesy (or looking for truly plant-based options)? Our totally vegan meatballs and tempeh and broccoli rabe orechiette will be your new favorite protein-packed BFFS come pasta night.
Spicy Cottage Cheese Pasta
Cottage cheese continues to have its big moment in the sun. Its high-protein content has driven people to try and incorporate it into some of their favorite foods. Blending it with marinara until the sauce is creamy and smooth makes for an incredible pasta sauce. It’s a super-easy hack to get an extra boost of protein out of a favorite comfort meal. This recipe can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it an unbeatable weeknight dinner.
Get the Spicy Cottage Cheese Pasta recipe.
One-Pan Tuna Pasta
This recipe is a bit of a riff on a pasta puttanesca, using familiar ingredients such as capers, anchovies, and olives. But instead of sitting over a pot of simmering tomato sauce, we used sun-dried tomatoes to form a paste that, when combined with pasta water, is transformed into a luscious sauce–and it’s all made in one pan!
Get the One-Pan Tuna Pasta recipe.
Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
Whether you're trying to go low-carb or simply love cooking spaghetti squash, this chicken Alfredo-inspired recipe is a worthwhile weeknight chicken dinner you should add to your rotation.
Get the Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash recipe.
Beef & Broccoli Ramen
Ramen noodles are king in the weeknight dinner hack department, and this take on classic beef & broccoli might be our new favorite. Thinly sliced steak and tender broccoli join those unmistakable noodles in a savory ginger soy sauce for an all-in-one dinner that’s sure to become a classic.
Get the Beef & Broccoli Ramen recipe.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Figuring out how to give Alfredo sauce more nutritional value is the ultimate healthy meal hack. This classic creamy sauce already had a place in our hearts, but adding cottage cheese and spinach took the love to new heights. The cottage cheese-based sauce comes together in a blender or food processor in a few seconds, then simmered to thick, velvety, cheesy perfection before getting tossed with fresh spinach and al dente fettuccine. Finish the whole thing with crushed red pepper flakes to create your new favorite meatless Monday meal.
Get the Cottage Cheese Alfredo recipe.
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
If you can't get enough of the fresh flavors of bruschetta, get ready to meet your new favorite protein-packed weeknight dinner. This chicken pasta—loaded with cherry tomatoes, basil, and Parm—brings the summer vibes every time it's served.
Get the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe.
Cacio E Pepe Egg Noodles
Cacio E Pepe is one of our all time FAVORITE pasta dishes. This lightened-up version calls for making your pasta from scratch—the good news is it's SO much easier than it sounds. All you need is a good nonstick pan. It's so simple and yet so fun to make and, of course, absolutely delicious.
Get the Cacio E Pepe Egg Noodles recipe.
One-Pot Shrimp Primavera
This loaded fettuccine makes it so easy for you (and your family!) to eat your vegetables. We love adding quick-cooking shrimp to the pot for protein once the pasta is almost al-dente, but otherwise, feel free to get creative with the added veggies.
Get the One-Pot Shrimp Primavera recipe.
Mediterranean Chicken
This one-pot recipe is the perfect way to spruce up chicken breasts with bright Mediterranean flavors without dirtying all the pots and pans in your kitchen. Serve it over some couscous pasta for the perfect bright (and cozy!) spring meal.
Get the Mediterranean Chicken recipe.
Chicken Primavera Spaghetti Squash Boats
Spaghetti squash turns one of favorite pasta dishes into a gluten-free, high-protein, low-carb treat! This is the perfect dinner to keep things fresh, and if you dig this, you'll have to try this primavera stuffed chicken next!
Get the Chicken Primavera Spaghetti Squash Boats recipe.
Vegan Alfredo Sauce
An ultra-creamy, velvety smooth Alfredo sauce sans dairy is within reach thanks to protein-filled cashews. The classic version of this dish is made with fettuccine, but since we're already bucking tradition with the sauce, why not try another fun pasta shape? Go for whole wheat for even more protein.
Get the Vegan Alfredo Sauce recipe.
Garlic Butter Meatballs & Zoodles
This simple dish of meatballs and zoodles is low-carb, gluten-free, and will keep you going with all the protein courtesy of the chicken meatballs. We'll be making this on repeat this year, maybe with some added grilled vegetables like sweet corn or eggplant.
Get the Garlic Butter Meatballs & Zoodles recipe.
One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac
Looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner? Our smoky vegetarian chili mac is here to save the day! It all comes together in one pot, and it's SUPER versatile. Throw in your favorite bean and pasta shape (use whole wheat for extra protein), melt in your favorite cheese, and top with whatever you like! (As long as it's crunchy—Fritos are classic, but fried onions, tortilla chips, or toasted nut would also do the trick.)
Get the One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac recipe.
Creamy Lemon Pepper Shrimp Spaghetti
Spaghetti and meatballs is the classic you've probably turned to a little too often. Switch it up and make this creamy, fresh, lemon pepper shrimp spaghetti that's bursting with flavor and plenty of protein.
Get the Creamy Lemon Pepper Shrimp Spaghetti recipe.
One-Pan Salmon and Orzo
Not all great dinners need to be complicated to make. This one-pot meal makes cleanup a breeze, but its real victory is how simple everything is from start to finish. Simple ingredients come together to make a flavorful salmon dinner in less than an hour.
Get the One-Pan Salmon and Orzo recipe.
Vegan Meatballs
Few comfort foods satisfy like a hearty bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. These chickpea-based meatballs pack tons of flavor, come together quickly, and provide a good amount of protein and fiber.
Get the Vegan Meatballs recipe.
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Add pesto (you could use store-bought pesto, but we promise, our homemade basil pesto is worth it), sweet cherry tomatoes, and a splash of white wine vinegar for brightness, and you’ve got yourself the perfect simple dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes!
Get the Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe.
One-Pot Shawarma Chicken and Orzo Skillet
This easy one-pot chicken dinner has got it all: protein, carbs, and fresh veggies all in one skillet. The flavors in this recipe take their cues from shawarma, the popular Levantine dish that features thin cuts of seasoned meat, so serve it alongside other Middle Eastern-inspired sauces on the side, like tzatziki, tahini sauce, or baba ghanoush.
Get the One-Pot Shawarma Chicken & Orzo Skillet recipe.
Tempeh & Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette
When comfort calls, don't ignore it. This pasta is packed with protein and flavor thanks to tempeh and a simple garlic-lemon sauce. Think of this like an alternative version of our orecchiette & broccoli rabe with andouille, lightened up and made vegetarian for those nights you have plant-based friends coming over or not quite feeling the meat.
Get the Tempeh & Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette recipe.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon & Orzo
When you’re in the mood for a one-pan dinner that delivers on the comfort food factor, this recipe with creamy orzo, salmon fillets, and sun-dried tomatoes is the one to turn to.
Get the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon & Orzo recipe.
