Pasta dishes are a popular meal for good reason. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but there are also plenty of options to choose from. Some people skip pasta when dieting because it’s loaded with carbs. Carbs get a bad rap, but not all carbs are created equal. In fact, when you choose a high-protein pasta recipe, you’re giving your body two filling nutrients—protein and fiber—that will help keep you fuller longer. So, check out our best high-protein pasta recipes for weight loss, which are delicious additions to your weekly meal rotation.
Protein-rich pasta can become your new ally in your weight loss journey. Protein helps you maintain muscle tissue while you lose weight, ensuring that the majority of the weight you lose is fat and not muscle.
“Preserving muscle tissue will help increase metabolism and is very important for maintaining functional abilities as we age,” explains Courtney Pelitera, MSc, RD, CNSCa registered dietitian specializing in sports nutrition and wellness nutrition High-level nutrition coaching“Protein is also a very satiating nutrient. This means that consuming enough protein with meals will help keep you fuller for longer. Less hunger and snacking means that weight loss and calorie restriction are much easier!”
So, set the table, because you might want to make one of the following pasta dishes for dinner! Now let’s explore the best high-protein pasta recipes for weight loss.
Sesame and Chicken Noodles
Nutritional value (per serving):
Calories: 340
Fat: 11 g (saturated fat: 2 g)
Sodium: 400 mg
For a refreshing Asian twist, consider making our Sesame Chicken Noodles recipe. It’s packed with fresh veggies, including bell peppers, snow peas, onions, scallions, and edamame. You’ll also get your protein and fiber fix from the chicken and whole-wheat noodles.
Get our recipe for Sesame Chicken Noodles.
Butternut Squash Pasta Salad
Nutritional value (per serving):
Calories: 387
Fat: 14 g (saturated fat: 2 g)
Sodium: 334 mg
Fiber: 7 g
Sugar: 17 g
Protein: 9 g
When you think of pasta salad, your mind may immediately go to colorful pasta tossed with cold cuts, cheese, and olive oil. Or, you may picture macaroni smothered in mayonnaise. Check out our recipe for butternut squash pasta salad, a healthier option for a side dish or light lunch with nine grams of protein and seven grams of fiber per serving. It features whole-wheat pasta, apples, butternut squash, cranberries, mixed greens, walnuts, and a homemade mustard vinaigrette for a flavorful bite.
Get our recipe for Butternut Squash Pasta Salad.
Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables
Nutritional value (per serving):
Calories: 540
Fat: 14 g (saturated fat: 6 g)
Sodium: 520 mg
Who doesn’t love Alfredo pasta? Our recipe puts a healthy spin on the classic pasta dish for just 540 calories per serving. This tasty meal is packed with vegetables and chicken, which are high in protein and fiber.
Get our recipe for Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables.
Turkey Bolognese with Fettuccine
Nutritional value (per serving):
Calories: 520
Fat: 10 g (saturated fat: 2.5 g)
Sodium: 520 mg
Bolognese is another fan-favorite pasta dish and a staple in many households, and for good reason. However, our recipe for turkey and fettuccine bolognese is healthy without sacrificing flavor. It packs a healthy dose of protein and fiber from the turkey and whole-wheat fettuccine (if you opt for whole wheat).
Get our recipe for Turkey Bolognese with Fettuccine.
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Nutritional information not available.
Slow cooker lovers, this recipe is for you! Quick, easy, and delicious, this soup is packed with goodness like chicken, egg noodles, carrots, and onions. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also the perfect healthy meal for a gloomy day.
Get our recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.
Skillet Taco Pasta
Nutritional value (per serving):
Calories: 399
Fat: 16 g (saturated fat: 4 g)
Sodium: 467 mg
Fiber: 17 g, Sugar: 15 g
Protein: 19 g
If you love tacos and pasta, this recipe combines the two for a mouthwatering meal with 19 grams of protein and 17 grams of fiber in each serving. It’s easy to make, and the best part is that it only requires one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Get our recipe for Skillet Taco Pasta.
Copycat Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli
Nutritional information not available.
With ingredients like white beans, kidney beans, ground beef, tomatoes, and onions, you can’t beat this hearty Olive Garden recipe on a crisp fall day or cold winter evening. It’s packed with healthy nutrients that will keep you feeling full in the best way possible.
Get our copycat Pasta Fagioli recipe from Olive Garden.
Pumpkin Pad Thai
Nutritional value (per serving):
Calories: 400
Fat: 10 g (saturated fat: 2 g)
Sodium: 192 mg
Fiber: 8 g, Sugar: 7 g
Protein: 33 g
When you’re looking to lose weight, it’s essential to overhaul your diet. That’s where this Pumpkin Pad Thai recipe comes in. It’s got 33 grams of protein per serving and is packed with delicious ingredients like pumpkin, creamy peanut butter, edamame, peanuts, and chicken.
Get our recipe for Pumpkin Pad Thai.
Chicken and Sausage Lasagna
Nutritional value (per serving):
Calories: 360
Fat: 11 g (saturated fat: 5 g)
Sodium: 450 mg
Lasagna is always a favorite pasta dish, and our Chicken and Sausage Lasagna could be yours too. Each serving is under 400 calories, helping you stay within your daily calorie budget, and the chicken sausages provide the protein you need to keep you satisfied.
Get our recipe for Chicken Sausage Lasagna.
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe
Nutritional value (per serving):
Calories: 345
Fat: 8 g (saturated fat: 1.5 g)
Sodium: 410 mg
Our Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette recipe combines peppery broccoli rabe, lean turkey sausage, and orecchiette pasta for a flavorful meal. It’s a classic pasta dish packed with nutrients and protein to satisfy your taste buds and your belly.
Get our recipe for Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe.
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