35 High-Protein Pasta Recipes to Power Your Meals
High-protein pasta recipes blend wholesome ingredients with satisfying textures to create meals that feel both nutritious and indulgent.
These dishes emphasize balance, delivering bold flavors while keeping you energized.
The variety includes hearty sauces, fresh vegetables, and creative combinations that highlight the protein-packed pasta.
Their ease of preparation makes them perfect for busy days or leisurely dinners.
Discover the 35 best high-protein pasta recipes and bring something wholesome to your plate:
Pastalaya (Jambalaya Pasta)
Pastalaya offers a delightful twist on the traditional jambalaya by incorporating pasta into the mix.
This satisfying dish features succulent shrimp, tender chicken, and zesty sausage all enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce that bursts with Louisiana's signature spices.
The combination of flavors creates an inviting meal that's perfect for any occasion.
TikTok Spaghetti
TikTok spaghetti transforms a simple pasta dish into an online phenomenon that has captured the hearts of many.
This recipe features creamy alfredo sauce paired with a robust meat sauce, all generously layered beneath melted mozzarella cheese and baked until bubbly.
The combination creates a comforting meal that's both satisfying and indulgent, making it perfect for any night of the week.
With just a few ingredients, you can create something truly special that stands out on your dinner table.
Taco Pasta
Taco pasta is a fusion of savory taco flavors and comforting pasta, creating an exciting dish that caters to your cravings.
The creamy and cheesy elements blend beautifully with any pasta shape you choose, offering a Tex-Mex twist that's ready in just minutes.
Combining the familiar tastes of tacos with hearty noodles delivers satisfaction for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
American Goulash
American goulash is a nostalgic dish that brings together comforting flavors in a single pot. Featuring tender macaroni and savory ground beef enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, this recipe satisfies hunger with every spoonful.
Cheesy goodness crowns the top, enhancing its appeal for both kids and adults alike. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can whip up this classic meal quickly on busy weeknights.
It stands out as an ideal choice for those seeking warmth through familiar tastes at the dinner table while keeping cooking effortless.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs stands out as a classic favorite that appeals to all generations.
Juicy, seasoned meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce create an unforgettable experience when paired with al dente spaghetti.
This hearty meal can transform any ordinary evening into a festive occasion, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
Pasta alla Norcina
Pasta alla Norcina features a rich blend of Italian sausage and mushrooms enveloped in a creamy white wine sauce, making it an exceptionally hearty dish.
This comforting meal invites you to enjoy its robust flavors alongside perfectly cooked pasta that ties everything together beautifully.
The combination creates an unforgettable dining experience that warms the heart and satisfies hunger with every mouthful.
Creamy Ground Chicken Pasta
Creamy ground chicken pasta offers a delightful twist on weeknight dinners with its rich and comforting sauce. This dish stands out for its ability to come together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze while delivering a satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Using simple ingredients like ground chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes not only enhances the taste but also adds nutritional value to your plate. Whipping up this recipe means you can enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
It’s an ideal option for those busy nights when time is tight yet deliciousness is essential.
Spicy Sausage Pasta
Spicy sausage pasta delivers a delightful kick that elevates your weeknight meals. This dish features robust sausages simmered in a rich, zesty sauce, perfectly coating al dente pasta for an unforgettable dining experience.
With minimal ingredients and quick preparation time, you can effortlessly whip up this crowd-pleaser or prepare it ahead for busy days ahead. The blend of spices adds warmth while enhancing the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the palate.
Ideal for sharing or enjoying solo, this recipe stands out as both comforting and satisfying on any occasion.
Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Ground turkey pasta bake is a comforting dish that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal.
This recipe features ground turkey cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce, enriched with an array of fresh vegetables and topped with melted cheese for that satisfying finish.
Whether it's a cozy weeknight dinner or serving guests, this delightful casserole makes mealtime effortless and enjoyable.
Cheesecake Factory Louisiana Chicken Pasta
Louisiana chicken pasta brings the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine right to your kitchen, offering a delightful combination of crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy parmesan sauce.
This dish stands out with its bold seasoning that elevates traditional pasta into an unforgettable meal you can enjoy at home.
Whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe makes any occasion feel special while delivering restaurant-quality satisfaction without the wait.
Creamy Rasta Pasta
Creamy rasta pasta is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Caribbean flavors through its rich, creamy sauce and vibrant vegetables. This recipe features al dente pasta enveloped in a luscious blend of jerk seasoning, which infuses every bite with warmth and depth.
Bright red, green, and yellow peppers add not only color but also crunch to this comforting meal. You can enhance it further by incorporating succulent shrimp or tender chicken for added protein.
With just about thirty minutes needed to prepare this satisfying dinner, it's an ideal choice when you want something quick yet full of character on a cooler evening.
Lamb Ragu
Lamb ragu is a hearty Italian sauce that brings rich, savory flavors to your table.
This dish features tender ground lamb simmered gently in a well-seasoned tomato base, allowing the ingredients to harmonize beautifully over time.
Using straightforward components makes it accessible for home cooks while rewarding patience with depth of flavor that's truly satisfying.
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
Orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe is an Italian pasta dish known for its unique ear-shaped noodles that cradle rich flavors.
The savory combination of spicy sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe creates an intriguing taste profile, making this meal stand out in any dinner lineup.
Originating from the Apulia region, this recipe has gained popularity due to its simple preparation and hearty ingredients that come together seamlessly.
When you crave something comforting yet satisfying, reaching for this pasta will certainly satisfy your appetite while offering a wonderful culinary experience without much fuss in the kitchen.
Creamy Tortellini Soup
Creamy tortellini soup delivers warmth and comfort in every spoonful. Rich sun-dried tomato pesto melds beautifully with cheesy tortellini and savory sausage, creating a delightful Italian-inspired dish that captivates your senses.
Each bowl is infused with aromatic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This heartwarming recipe invites you to savor its comforting essence while enjoying a quick preparation process perfect for busy days ahead.
It’s simply one of those meals you'll keep returning to when craving something wholesome and satisfying.
Kielbasa Pasta
Kielbasa pasta delivers a satisfying dish that highlights the smoky flavors of Polish sausage alongside tender pasta and vibrant vegetables.
This recipe stands out for its simplicity, allowing you to whip up a wholesome meal in around half an hour.
Fresh ingredients come together seamlessly, creating a hearty option perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
With minimal prep and cooking time involved, it’s easy to see why this flavorful dish becomes a regular favorite in your kitchen routine.
Crustless Rotisserie Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Crustless rotisserie chicken pot pie casserole offers the ultimate comfort dish without the fuss of traditional crusts. Loaded with tender, shredded chicken and a medley of fresh vegetables, this recipe captures all those beloved flavors in a creamy sauce that warms your soul on any day.
Ideal for moments when you want something satisfying yet easy to prepare, it makes weeknight dinners hassle-free. With its hearty nature and rich taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household as you savor each comforting spoonful together.
Give this simple yet delightful creation a try and see how quickly it becomes part of your routine.
Creamy Sausage Pasta
Creamy sausage pasta offers a delightful experience that transforms everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
Infused with rich Italian sausage and enveloped in a savory garlic parmesan cream sauce, this dish elevates your favorite pasta shape to new levels of satisfaction.
The simplicity of preparation allows you to create something truly special in just 20 minutes.
With each forkful bringing together robust flavors, it’s bound to become a staple on your dinner table.
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Spaghetti with meat sauce brings together rich flavors and hearty textures in a dish that warms the heart. This timeless favorite features tender pasta enveloped in a savory, meaty tomato sauce that's both satisfying and comforting.
With its versatility, this meal fits perfectly into your busy weeknights or can be savored slowly after hours of simmering to enhance the taste. A delightful choice for gatherings, you’ll find it’s easy to prepare while packing a punch of flavor that appeals to all ages.
Serving this classic on your dinner table is bound to create happy moments around shared meals.
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Antipasto pasta salad offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for gatherings.
Bursting with colorful vegetables, savory meats, and hearty pasta, this dish ensures that every forkful is satisfying.
Preparing this versatile salad doesn't take much time; it's perfect for busy weeknights or as a convenient meal prep option.
Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, you can enjoy it warm or chilled, no matter how you serve it up!
Johnny Marzetti
Johnny Marzetti embodies the essence of comfort food, featuring a hearty blend of savory ground beef and rich tomato sauce enveloped in gooey cheese.
This casserole is not just another dish; it’s a nostalgic journey through cherished family meals that many hold dear.
Reminiscent of potlucks and gatherings, each layer invites you to indulge in its warmth while satisfying those cravings for home-cooked goodness.
Amidst an ever-evolving culinary landscape, this classic remains a beloved staple on dinner tables across generations.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cajun chicken pasta features succulent pieces of chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce with a kick of Cajun spices.
This dish stands out for its ability to deliver restaurant-quality flavors right at home without requiring extensive culinary skills or time.
Perfectly complemented by your choice of pasta, it offers a satisfying blend that warms the soul and excites the palate.
Quick to prepare, you’ll find it an ideal option for those hectic weeknights when dinner needs to be both delicious and effortless.
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Shrimp Fra Diavolo brings a bold and fiery touch to your dinner table, featuring succulent shrimp swimming in a rich tomato sauce infused with just the right amount of spice.
This dish stands out for its tantalizing heat that perfectly complements the sweetness of fresh tomatoes.
You can enjoy it over a bed of al dente pasta or savor it alongside crusty bread, making every meal feel like an indulgent experience at home.
Adjusting the level of spiciness allows you to tailor this recipe to suit your taste buds while maintaining its signature character.
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Pesto chicken pasta features tender sautéed chicken paired with al dente pasta, all enveloped in a luscious basil pesto sauce.
With the addition of juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish balances savory and fresh flavors seamlessly.
It's an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights when time is short but taste remains a priority.
In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a meal that brings satisfaction to both your palate and schedule without sacrificing quality or flavor.
Chicken Pastina Soup
Chicken pastina soup serves as a heartwarming remedy, ideal for those moments when you desire warmth and comfort.
This dish features tiny pasta shapes that swim alongside tender chicken pieces in a flavorful broth enriched with herbs and fresh vegetables.
The simplicity of the ingredients allows each element to shine while evoking memories of home-cooked meals from childhood.
With its light yet fulfilling nature, this bowl offers both nourishment and nostalgia, making it a go-to choice for cozy evenings at home or rainy days when you need some extra care.
Salmon Pasta
Salmon pasta features tender salmon paired with al dente noodles in a rich sauce that strikes the ideal balance between comfort and lightness.
The dish stands out thanks to its harmonious blend of roasted salmon flavors, enhanced by subtle creaminess without overwhelming richness.
With just thirty minutes needed for preparation, this meal is perfect whether you’re winding down after a busy day or impressing someone special at dinner.
Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili introduces an exciting twist to traditional chili dishes, featuring a unique blend of spices and flavors that set it apart.
This dish is typically served over spaghetti, creating a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.
With unexpected ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and even chocolate woven into the sauce, every bite brings a burst of flavor that's truly distinctive.
Scallop Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Scallop pasta with cherry tomatoes is a delightful dish that combines tender scallops and juicy tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite. With preparation taking around 20 minutes, this recipe shines as an ideal solution for busy evenings or impromptu gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together while still delivering elegance on your plate. The fresh ingredients not only enhance the taste but also add color and brightness to your meal, making it visually appealing too.
This satisfying seafood pasta can easily become one of those go-to recipes when you're seeking something special yet simple to prepare.
Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Cheese
Ham casserole with broccoli and cheese features a rich blend of savory ham, tender broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce nestled on a hearty pasta foundation. Ideal for turning leftover holiday ham into something special, this dish offers comfort in every forkful.
With its easy preparation and make-ahead convenience, you can have dinner ready without hassle. The combination of flavors makes it an ideal choice for gatherings or cozy family meals.
This recipe not only satisfies hunger but also turns simple ingredients into something memorable that everyone will appreciate at the table.
Portuguese Bean Soup
Portuguese bean soup is a hearty dish that embodies the warmth of Hawaiian cuisine while surprising many with its unique origins.
This nourishing bowl features an enticing combination of smoked ham hocks, macaroni, kidney beans, and vibrant vegetables alongside flavorful Portuguese sausage.
As you savor this comforting meal, it’s easy to see why it's become a favorite in homes across Hawaii and beyond.
Dive into this delicious experience that's sure to warm your soul on any day.
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Prosciutto
Tortellini pasta salad with prosciutto is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor and color to any gathering. This refreshing creation features tender tortellini paired with savory slices of prosciutto, offering both texture and taste in every forkful.
Adding fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and spinach enhances the visual appeal while balancing the richness of the ingredients. Ideal for potlucks or casual family meals, this salad stands out as an easy yet impressive option that everyone will appreciate.
With minimal preparation time, you can effortlessly whip up this crowd-pleaser whenever you're looking for something satisfying and delicious to serve.
Cheesy Tortellini Bake
Cheesy tortellini bake delivers a satisfying and effortless meal that combines tender pasta with rich cheese and savory sauce.
This dish shines through its simple preparation, making it an ideal option for busy evenings when you want something both filling and delicious.
With layers of flavor from the meat sauce mingling perfectly with gooey cheese, even those who are picky will find it hard to resist.
Ready in no time, this one-pan wonder makes weeknight dinners a breeze while ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
Italian Sausage and Tortellini Bake
Italian sausage and tortellini bake features tender pasta enveloped in a rich tomato sauce infused with zesty Italian sausage.
This hearty dish stands out for its gooey, melted cheese topping that creates a comforting finish.
You can whip it up quickly; after just a few minutes of prep, the oven handles the rest, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma as it bakes to perfection.
Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe combines ease and satisfaction seamlessly while delivering bold flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli)
Pasta e Fagioli stands out as a hearty Italian soup that perfectly balances pasta and beans in a savory broth.
This dish not only offers warmth but also embraces flexibility, allowing you to tailor ingredients to fit your taste or pantry staples.
Often cherished for its budget-friendly nature, it provides comfort during chilly evenings while satisfying various palates.
Including fresh herbs and vegetables enhances the experience without complicating preparation.
Pesto Tortellini Soup
Pesto tortellini soup offers a comforting blend of soft, pillowy pasta in an aromatic pesto broth that warms the soul. With tender chicken and fresh vegetables enhancing the dish, this meal is both satisfying and quick to prepare, taking just around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Each spoonful brings together rich flavors that highlight the vibrant essence of basil and garlic found in traditional pesto. Ideal for busy weeknights or chilly days when you crave something hearty yet simple, this recipe easily finds its place among your go-to favorites.
The delightful combination will surely leave you looking forward to seconds with every bowl served.
Avgolemono Soup
Avgolemono soup is a comforting Greek dish that elevates traditional chicken noodle options with its unique creamy texture. By blending egg and lemon, this recipe produces a silky broth that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Whipping up this flavorful bowl takes just about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. The delightful balance of tangy lemon flavor paired with rich creaminess ensures each spoonful brings warmth to your day.
Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or the main attraction, you’ll find yourself returning to this classic time after time.
Truc Tran (Kris)
Expertise
Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Asian Food Content Creator, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert
Education
Program: Diploma of Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)
Focus: The culinary program included a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, and a Diploma of Hospitality Management. This education provided a comprehensive blend of theoretical and practical training in finance, sustainability, diversity, and human resources management.
Program: Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
Focus: Explored global cuisines, and developed entrepreneurial abilities to manage a successful food business, along with acquiring essential language, math, computer, and communication skills for success.
Program: Certificate of Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef
Focus: Master traditional and modern Vietnamese cooking techniques.
Truc Tran, or Kris, is an accomplished food editor with extensive training in hospitality and culinary arts, including a deep focus on Vietnamese cuisine from various prestigious institutions. She possesses over nine years of experience, developing her expertise in global cuisines and blending traditional Vietnamese cooking with contemporary trends to create engaging and educational content.
She also has a rich educational background, including a Diploma of Hospitality from TasTAFE and a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts from Kendall College’s Sydney branch. It enables her to offer unique insights into meal planning, recipe development, and food culture, making her articles and cooking videos both informative and appealing.