These high-protein pasta recipes will have you coming back for seconds.
There’s no denying that a bowl of pasta can be a great way to boost your mood, and we’re always on board with that. We’ve put together 11 simple and delicious high-protein pasta recipes for you to put to the test, each with at least 20% of its calories from protein.
From a meaty mac 'n' cheese to a fajita chicken pasta bake, we’ve got something irresistible for you to dig into next dinnertime. And who could ever say no to lasagne?
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High-protein pasta bakes and lasagne
1. Fajita pasta bake
Sizzling fajita chicken with softened peppers, all in a cheesy pasta bake… it’s the crossover we all needed in our lives, right?
Per serving: 521kcal | 28g protein | 62g carbs | 16g fat. Ready in 40 minutes.
Fajita Pasta Bake
2. BBQ pulled chicken mac 'n' cheese
So you're probably already a mac 'n' cheese fan… but have you tried taking it to the next level with tangy BBQ pulled chicken? You really should. Right now.
Per serving: 597kcal | 37g protein | 51g carbs | 21g fat.
BBQ Pulled Chicken Mac N Cheese
3. Loaf tin lasagne
Lasagne is top-tier pasta, no doubt about it, but the time it takes to make can be slightly off-putting. This one is made in a loaf tin and portions up neatly for the week ahead.
Per serving: 665kcal | 51g protein | 74g carbs | 9g fat. Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes.
4. Simple high-protein lasagne
All the comfort of a classic lasagne, with a whopping 55g of protein per serving.
Per serving: 447kcal | 55g protein | 35g carbs | 9g fat. Ready in 1 hour 5 minutes.
Simple High-Protein Lasagne
Creamy high-protein pasta recipes
5. Creamy sausage pasta
Made with quark and low-fat sausages, this recipe is deceptively creamy considering each serving contains only around 6g of fat.
Per serving: 415kcal | 34g protein | 48g carbs | 6g fat. Ready in 25 minutes.
6. Creamy Cajun chicken pasta
When it comes to simple and delicious meal prep, this one's a real winner.
Per serving: 516kcal | 38g protein | 71g carbs | 8g fat. Ready in 30 minutes.
7. Marry me chicken pasta
Sun-dried tomatoes, a creamy sauce and tender chicken. One bite and you'll see where the name comes from.
Per serving: 460kcal | 36g protein | 52g carbs | 13g fat. Ready in 30 minutes.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
8. Tasty chicken Alfredo
When it comes to comfort food, chicken Alfredo is up there. It's easy, creamy and as tasty as it gets.
Per serving: 488kcal | 63g protein | 46g carbs | 9g fat.
High-protein pasta salads
9. Buffalo chicken pasta salad
Looking for something a bit lighter? This pasta salad is perfect for a lunch that's packed with flavour.
Per serving: 485kcal | 49g protein | 30g carbs | 20g fat.
10. Tuna pasta salad
Who said pasta had to be hot? Pasta salad is one of the finest lunch options going. Just chuck your ingredients into an airtight container and enjoy the next day.
Per serving: 415kcal | 26g protein | 40g carbs | 20g fat.
11. Chicken Caesar pasta salad
And if tuna isn't your vibe, chicken Caesar is a great option.
Per serving: 557kcal | 41g protein | 65g carbs | 16g fat. Ready in 10 minutes.
FAQs
How do you make pasta higher in protein?
Pair it with a lean protein source like chicken breast, tuna, lean mince or reduced-fat sausages, and use quark, cottage cheese or Greek yoghurt to make creamy sauces. You can also swap regular pasta for a lentil or chickpea pasta.
Can I meal prep these pasta recipes?
Yes. The pasta bakes, lasagnes and pasta salads all keep well in airtight containers in the fridge. For more ideas, see our high-protein lunch ideas for work and low-calorie, high-protein dinners.
More high-protein recipes
Lauren is a recipe writer and English Literature graduate who firmly believes in a balanced approach to fitness. She has always been a keen swimmer and, in recent years, has discovered the benefits of weight training and hot yoga. When she's not in the gym, you'll find her cooking up new recipes or enjoying brunch with her friends, having moved on from her student days of living on pasta.
