Vegetarian Pasta Recipes High In Protein

Pasta is the ultimate pantry staple – it’s an affordable crowd-pleaser, and the fact that it cooks quickly makes it perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Even better, pasta dishes can be customized to fit into any dietary pattern. Whether you’re vegan, following a predominantly plant-based diet, or simply trying to reduce your intake of animal products, there are plenty of satisfying and delicious ways to enjoy pasta. There are also lots of gluten-free options in the mix for those who need them! These 25+ vegan pasta recipes offer the creaminess and heartiness you crave without the dairy and meat that are commonly found in traditional pasta recipes.

As you look through these vegan pasta recipes, you may consider pairing some of them with additional sides, toppings, or add-ins to meet your nutrient needs. Keep in mind that the three macronutrients – protein, carbs, and fat – are all necessary to fuel your body, and ensuring that your meal contains them all in adequate amounts will help you feel satisfied and energized. Here are some tips for getting enough of each on pasta night:

You’ll notice several of these recipes call for legume pastas, which are an easy way to boost the protein content of a pasta dish. Brands like Banza, Tolerant, Explore Cuisine, and Barilla offer varieties made from chickpeas, lentils, and soybeans that contain anywhere from 11 to 24 grams of protein per 2 oz serving. You can also find store-brand legume pastas at Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods. With so many varieties out there, it’s a good idea to try a few to see which (if any!) appeal to you, and swap your favorites into recipes. If you’re opting for a traditional wheat-based pasta, protein rich add-ins like plant-based meat alternatives, beans, and lentils can help balance out the meal, like in this Broccoli Rabe White Bean Pasta.

Quick N' Healthy Veggie Pasta Salad

A few of these recipes use lower-carb options like spaghetti squash or zucchini instead of traditional boxed noodles. If you enjoy this substitution, it’s a great way to get in some extra veggies. However, you may want to add a side of bread or mix in some regular pasta to make sure you’re getting enough carbs for optimal satisfaction and energy levels, especially if you’re eating a pre-workout or post-workout meal! For recipes that don’t contain much in the way of veggies, you can never go wrong adding some finely chopped zucchini and spinach to the sauce or tossing some cooked asparagus or broccoli into the finished dish for a boost of additional fiber and nutrients.

There are plenty of ingredients in these vegan pasta recipes that contain satisfying fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and hummus. Pine nuts or a nut-based vegan “parmesan” are also delicious as a topping on any pasta dish!

Now on to the deliciousness. From red sauces to creamy sauces to pestos, served with a variety of add-ins and noodle types, these 20+ vegan pasta recipes offer something for everyone! 

High Protein Pasta Recipes

Made with meatless crumbles and chickpea pasta, this “meaty” pasta dish from fellow RD Lauren of Nutrition Starring YOU is both vegan and gluten-free and provides plenty of plant-based protein.

This lasagna will fool dairy lovers with its rich tofu ricotta and bold flavors. With high protein ingredients it'll satisfy active individuals while repairing muscle, too!

This vegan and gluten free butternut squash and pea pasta can be made in 20 minutes as a flavorful and filling weeknight meal.

Marinated Vegetarian Pasta Salad!

This vegan one pot dish from fellow RD Nicole of Lettuce Veg Out is loaded with Mediterranean inspired goodness and pairs nicely with baked tofu or tempeh.

With help from cashews, this creamy dairy-free tomato sauce offers the textures and flavors you crave, plus a dose of healthy mono-unsaturated fats.

Another one pot dish, this easy vegan pasta recipe from fellow RD Melissa makes use of spring veggies for a flavorful and nutrient-dense dish

High Protein Pasta Recipes (vegan, Gluten Free & Healthy!)

This broccoli rabe pasta is filled with satisfying flavors, nourishing carbohydrates, plant based protein and essential nutrients to keep you energized for your busy life.

This hearty black bean pasta with vegan cashew romesco sauce is packed with plant-based protein and makes sticking to your food budget easy.

Hummus takes this vegan pasta salad from fellow RD Sarah of Bucket List Tummy up a notch. It’s ready in just 15 minutes and is perfect for meal prep.

Healthy Pasta Recipes (5 Star Rated!)

Made with just 5 ingredients, this high protein pesto pasta can be made vegan or vegetarian and is well balanced to help you reach your fitness goals.

This vegan cilantro pesto made with pumpkin purée and hemp seeds is a unique and delicious sauce that adds flavor to any pasta dish. Try it in the HIgh Protein Pesto Pasta recipe above!

With a zesty cilantro lime dressing, this vegan pasta salad from fellow RD Jess is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and make-ahead lunches!

Fresh And Easy Veggie Spaghetti

This unique vegan pasta dish from fellow RD Nicole of Lettuce Veg Out is loaded with flavor from Thai red curry paste, fresh garlic, and creamy coconut milk plus plant protein from chickpeas and edamame.

Need a vegan alternative to mac & cheese that your toddler will love? Look no further than this simple, family-friendly recipe from fellow RD Kacie of Mama Knows Nutrition.

This Mediterranean pasta from fellow RD Jessianna of The KidneyRD is packed with fresh veggies and herbs. It’s perfect for anyone who needs to follow a lower protein diet, but can also be made with a higher protein noodle or paired with your favorite vegan protein sources.

Vegan Red Pepper Pasta, Chickpea Pasta Recipe, High Protein Vegan — What's For Meal Prep

This tasty side dish from fellow RD Jeanette of The Radiant Root also uses zucchini ribbons in place of traditional noodles to help boost your veggie intake.

This homemade marinara sauce is lower in added sugar than most store bought options and is a great starting point for a vegan pasta or pizzas.

A registered dietitian, board certified in sports nutrition, helping fuel fitness and busy lifestyles with delicious recipes and sustainable tips. As a media spokesperson, consultant and mom, I’m here to help you build lasting habits without stress or restriction.This easy, minutes-to-prepare mushroom pasta recipe creates a stylish dish that has as much color and meatiness as any hearty pasta Bolognese! Earthy, umami mushrooms give our high protein pasta dish a deep, rich meaty taste that will send your favorite bolognese to days gone by.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe (high Protein)

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Our high protein easy mushroom pasta recipe comes together in just 15 minutes using delicious organic Red Lentil Spaghetti from Explore Cuisine.  The red lentil pasta is a great plant-based, gluten-free source of protein with more fiber than traditional pasta, and its beautiful pink color and light lentil taste is a natural fit for our savory mushroom sauce.

Our mushroom pasta dish is ideal for pasta lovers who want a more nutritious alternative to a meat-based sauce, or anyone who is looking for a break from the heavy turkey, roast, and duck meals during the December holidays.  Baby Bella and shiitake mushrooms create a wonderful blend and are an easy replacement for beef.  You can try adding a few dried porcini mushrooms to the sauce too!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Explore Cuisine provides organic, plant-based foods using ingredients from beans, lentils, rice, and chickpeas so you can create delicious meals that you – and your family – will love.  Explore Cuisine offers 10 different varieties of pasta that is nutritious, full of color and taste, and a great way to provide quick healthy meals for vegan and gluten-free friends and family.

We like to serve our high protein easy mushroom pasta with a sprinkling of vegan parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or a few drops of balsamic glaze.  You can pair our mushroom pasta with a simple green salad or our Persimmon-Fennel Salad, or serve up some more mushrooms by adding our Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with Mushroom Bacon Bits.

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Cowboy Bean Pasta Recipe (high Protein, Vegan)

This easy, minutes-to-prepare mushroom pasta recipe creates a stylish dish that has as much color and meatiness as any hearty pasta Bolognese!