Give pasta night a protein-packed makeover with these protein-packed vegan pastas that'll make you feel great about pasta night. From vibrant pasta salads and filling lasagna to stir-fry and creamy pasta, these nourishing recipes ideas will power up your lunch and dinner every night of the week!
Protein is all the rage, am I right? I love a good pasta night at the Hummusapien house. It's inexpensive, easy to make versatile, family-friendly, and makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
But sometimes pasta recipes can leave me feeling unsatisfied or hungry a few hours later if they don't have enough protein in them to fill me up. Womp womp.
Enter... this round-up of high-protein vegan pasta recipes! These gems are nutritious, delicious, and will keep you full for hours once the meal is finished.
Easy ways to boost protein in pasta dishes
I'm so glad you asked! There are countless many ways to incorporate protein into what is typically a pretty carb-heavy meal.
The definition of "high' protein varies from person to person, but ideally it's balanced with complex carbs, healthy fats for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
You can choose a protein-rich pasta (like a chickpea or lentil pasta), add in beans, tofu, or tempeh, or use a nut or seed-based creamy sauce!
But how much protein do you really need?
America loves protein! As a dietitian, it's no shocker that recommendations for protein intake vary pretty widely depending on goals. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (or about 50 grams of protein daily for a 140-pound person).
If you're lifting heavy or trying to build lean muscle mass, you may want more like 1.25g per kg body weight.
While it is important to eat enough protein for satiety, maintaining lean body mass, and general health, the source of protein is really important when thinking about protein.
Choosing plant-based protein sources as much as possible (think: beans, nuts, seeds, etc.) in place of red and/or processed meats can significantly lower your risks for chronic diseases, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
High protein recipes to cook tonight!
Homemade Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta
With hundreds of 5-star ratings, this easy Vegan Lasagna recipe really is the best ever. Life-changing hummus tofu ricotta makes it taste just like classic cheesy lasagna! Each slice packs 20g of protein. It's kid-friendly and a favorite with all eaters, vegan or not.
Creamy Cajun Pasta
Rich and creamy Cajun Pasta packed with veggies in a luxurious, flavor-packed tomato cream sauce. Weeknight dinner just got more exciting! You'd never guess this pasta is easy to make and dairy-free. It has a nice kick but isn't overly spicy.
Ultimate Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Everyone adores this rich and creamy stovetop Vegan Mac and Cheese with 19g protein made with velvety smooth cashew cream sauce. Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds of this easy one-pot meal, on the table in 25 minutes.
Vegan Spaghetti and Meatballs
Hearty and filling Vegan Meatballs made with nourishing ingredients like chickpeas, mushrooms, and walnuts for the plant-based Italian dinner of your dreams! Gluten-free option and kid-friendly. These freeze beautifully, too! Serve with spaghetti and your favorite red sauce for the perfect weeknight dinner.
Vegan Stuffed Shells with Tofu Ricotta
This crowd-pleasing Vegan Stuffed Shells recipe with the best dairy-free ricotta is a healthy spin on the classic loved by kids, meat eaters and vegans alike!
Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta with Chickpeas
Fresh and flavorful Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta with Chickpeas is a one-pot meal on the table in under twenty minutes! Simply omit the feta to make it vegan.
Noodle Salad with Rainbow Veggies
Rice noodles are coated in a sweet and sour sauce and topped with refreshing vegetables and crispy tempeh nuggets in this Noodle Salad with Rainbow Veggies. Finished with a dollop of ridiculously delicious peanut sauce, everything about this noodle salad is outstanding!
Nourishing Vegan Butternut Squash Lasagna
Creamy, flavorful, and nourishing Vegan Butternut Squash Lasagna with the best vegan ricotta makes the most comforting weeknight meal! Leftovers taste even better the next day, and this makes enough to feed a crowd. Packed with over 18g plant protein per serving, this is not only healthy but also super filling!
Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta (8 ingredients!)
This 8-ingredient creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta will be your new favorite fall meal. Packed with good-for-you ingredients, simple to make, delicious, and oh-so comforting! Kids love this dish, too! Each serving boasts 16g protein.
Thai Pasta Salad with Tahini Lime Dressing
Crazy delicious Thai Pasta Salad with colorful veggies is the ultimate warm weather lunch or side! Packed with flavor and even better the next day. Simply add 1 cup edamame and use a high-protein pasta to supercharge the protein.
20-Minute Creamy Vegan Pasta
This 20-Minute Vegan Pasta with a simple tomato basil cream sauce and spinach will be your new go-to healthy weeknight dinner recipe! Made with just 6 ingredients, you'll love this foolproof, hearty pasta meal. It's absolutely packed with flavor plus 14g plant protein per serving.
Healthy Southwestern Pasta Salad
Flavorful and filling Healthy Southwestern Pasta Salad made with chickpea noodles, bright veggies and a creamy spiced tahini sauce. Vegan, gluten free, and done in under 30 minutes.
Healthy Spinach and Artichoke Alfredo Pasta
Healthy Spinach and Artichoke Alfredo Pasta on the table in 20 minutes! Super creamy and dairy-free for the ultimate plant based dinner.
Vegan Drunken Noodles
This vegan noodle recipe is a must-make if you like drunken noodles. You’ve gotta try this delicious drunken noodles recipe. Inspired by the Thai favorite, Pad Kee Mao, ready in 30 minutes. Use high protein noodles for even more protein.
30 Minute Vegan Stir Fry Sesame Noodles with Chickpeas & Basil
Wonderful vegan stir-fry noodles from Ambitious Kitchen are made in just 30 minutes for the perfect weeknight dinner! These easy sesame noodles have a homemade stir-fry sauce and a boost of plant-based protein from chickpeas.
Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta (Vegan)
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta with asparagus and peas comes together in just 30 minutes. This kid-friendly spring pasta has 22g protein per serving and is dairy-free yet incredibly creamy and satisfying.
Easy Green Goddess Protein Pasta
This vibrant pasta is packed with healthy greens and fresh herbs, this dairy-free pasta has 21 grams of protein per serving! (vegan + gluten-free).
High-Protein Vegan ‘Marry Me Pasta’
A flavorful and protein-packed pasta dish from plantbaes featuring lentil pasta, creamy cashew sauce, butter beans, vegetables, and spices. This recipe is satisfying, easy to make, and perfect for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Comments
No Comments