32g Protein High Protein Pasta Recipe in 30 Minutes

You know that feeling when you’re torn between carb cravings and hitting your protein goals? Let me introduce you to my favorite high protein pasta solution! This chickpea pasta with lean turkey has been my go-to for years – it’s packed with a whopping 32g protein per serving and comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you need something quick, satisfying, and macronutrient-balanced.

My love affair with high protein pasta began when I discovered chickpea noodles. Unlike regular pasta that leaves me hungry an hour later, this version keeps me full for hours thanks to all that protein and fiber (8 grams per bowl!). The secret star? Blended cottage cheese makes the sauce ultra-creamy without any heavy cream – it’s a game-changer I stumbled upon during desperate meal prep adventures.

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Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking dinner after a tough workout, this high protein pasta dish has your back. That satisfying noodle twirl we all love? Check. Muscle-repairing protein? Double check. Plus, it tastes so good you’ll forget it’s actually good for you. Now that’s what I call a perfect weeknight win!

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Pasta

Let me tell you why this high protein pasta recipe has become my ultimate weeknight savior! First, it delivers those carbs we all crave while packing a serious protein punch – we’re talking 32g per bowl. But here’s what really makes this chickpea pasta dinner special:

• Speedy satisfaction: Ready in just 30 minutes – faster than most meal delivery services!
• Macro masterpiece: Perfect protein to carb ratio for fitness lovers who still want their pasta fix
• Fiber boost: Chickpea noodles give you 8g of filling fiber – no blood sugar crashes here
• Secret weapon: Blended cottage cheese creates a luxe creamy sauce without heavy cream
• Meal prep magic: Makes amazing leftovers that taste even better the next day
• Easy swaps: Use any protein you like – I alternate between turkey, chicken, and tofu

This protein packed pasta proves you don’t have to choose between flavor and nutrition. It’s become my go-to for post-gym dinners, family meals, and even impressing guests who can’t believe it’s healthy!

Ingredients for High Protein Pasta

Let me walk you through the simple ingredients that make this high protein pasta dish both delicious and nutritious! Each component pulls its weight to create that perfect protein-packed meal.

• The Noodles:
  • 8 oz chickpea pasta (my secret weapon for high protein pasta nights)
• The Protein Players:
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (about 90% lean)
• The Flavor Boosters:
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best!)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• The Creamy Sauce Magic:
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (I use sugar-free for my macro friendly pasta)
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese, blended smooth
• The Finishing Touches:
  • Fresh basil for garnish

What I love about this protein packed noodles recipe is how flexible it is – swap turkey for chicken, use edamame pasta instead, or add spinach for extra greens!

How to Make High Protein Pasta

Get ready to whip up this high protein pasta that’ll satisfy your carb cravings while packing a serious protein punch! I’ve perfected this method over countless busy weeknights, so trust me – these simple steps yield restaurant-quality protein packed noodles every time.

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1. Cook that chickpea pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your high protein pasta according to package directions – usually about 7-8 minutes. Pro tip: reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining!
2. Sizzle the flavor base: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant – just until your kitchen smells amazing but before it browns.
3. Brown your protein: Add lean ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks for about 5-6 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink left – perfect protein for your macro friendly pasta!
4. Build the sauce: Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then let everything simmer together for exactly 5 minutes. This short simmer time works wonders for flavor – don’t skip it!
5. Creamy secret weapon: While the sauce simmers, blend cottage cheese until completely smooth (about 20 seconds). This transforms it from lumpy to luxe – the magic behind our high protein pasta sauce!
6. Final assembly: Toss drained pasta with the turkey sauce, folding in blended cottage cheese. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency – about 1/4 cup at a time – until your protein packed noodles are perfectly coated.

Pro Tip for Creamy Sauce

The blended cottage cheese is what makes this high protein pasta special! When completely smooth, it mimics heavy cream’s richness while adding bonus protein. If you’re out of cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt works too – just expect a slightly tangier twist. Either way, your macro friendly pasta stays packed with muscle-building nutrition!

Serving Your High Protein Pasta

Now for my favorite part – dishing up this high protein pasta masterpiece! I love getting creative with toppings – a shower of fresh basil gives that garden-fresh pop, while red pepper flakes add just the right kick. For special occasions, I’ll sprinkle on some grated Parmesan – a little goes a long way flavor-wise!

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My protein-packed pasta makes a complete meal on its own, but I’ll often pair it with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted garlic bread when feeding a crowd. Pro tip for portion control: I use my trusty food scale to measure out 1/4 of the recipe (about 380 calories) when really watching my macros, but let’s be honest – sometimes that second helping is just too tempting!

Storing and Reheating

One of my favorite things about this high protein pasta? It makes fantastic leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll keep beautifully for 3-4 days. The chickpea noodles actually hold their texture way better than regular wheat pasta – no mushy mess here!

When you’re ready to enjoy again, my go-to reheating method is the stovetop with a splash of water. Just warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. That little bit of water helps revive the sauce perfectly. I’ve even been known to add a fresh sprinkle of basil to make it taste just-made. This reheating trick keeps my macro friendly pasta tasting fresh and delicious all week!

High Protein Pasta Variations

The beauty of this high protein pasta recipe? You can completely transform it with simple swaps! While I adore the original chickpea noodles, edamame pasta works wonders too – it’s got that same protein boost and slightly nuttier flavor. And let’s talk proteins – ground chicken makes a fantastic lean alternative to turkey, while plant-based crumbles satisfy my vegetarian friends.

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Want to sneak in more nutrients? Toss in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last two minutes of cooking – it wilts down beautifully. And for extra punch? Sun-dried tomatoes add amazing bursts of savory sweetness. Honestly, once you’ve got the basic formula down, this macro friendly pasta becomes your creative playground!

Nutritional Information

Let’s break down why this high protein pasta is such a nutritional powerhouse! Just keep in mind these values are estimates – nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. But here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious bowl:

• 32g protein – that’s serious fuel for your muscles!
• 8g fiber – keeps you full for hours
• 380 calories – satisfying without being heavy
• 35g carbs – enough energy without overdoing it
• 10g fat – just enough for flavor and absorption

What I love most? Each serving gives you a perfect balance of nutrients – fuel for your workout and food for your muscles, all in one cozy pasta bowl. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

FAQs About High Protein Pasta

Share Your Creation

Nothing makes me happier than seeing your take on this high protein pasta dish! Snap a pic when you try this recipe and share it on Pinterest – I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy these protein packed noodles. Your creativity might just inspire my next macro friendly pasta creation!

High Protein Chickpea Pasta with Lean Turkey

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A quick, protein-packed pasta dish using chickpea noodles and lean turkey for a macro-friendly dinner.

• Author: Sophia Collins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz chickpea pasta
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook chickpea pasta according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Brown turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
6. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Blend cottage cheese until smooth and mix into sauce.
8. Toss cooked pasta with sauce.
9. Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

• For extra creaminess, add a splash of pasta water.
• Swap turkey for chicken or tofu if preferred.
• Find more recipes on Pinterest.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 60mg