Description

Craving a warm, comforting bowl of pasta but still want to feel strong, energized, and satisfied afterward? These High-Protein Pasta Bowls give you the best of both worlds. They’re saucy, hearty, and packed with flavor—while delivering 45–50 grams of protein per serving to fuel your body.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta & Protein

8 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, edamame, or protein wheat)
1 lb lean ground turkey or diced chicken breast

Sauce & Veggies

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup diced onion
½ cup chopped bell pepper
1 cup finely chopped zucchini or fresh spinach
2 cups marinara or tomato basil sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Topping

¼ cup grated Parmesan or part-skim mozzarella

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions, checking 1–2 minutes early to avoid overcooking.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Brown the Protein

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground turkey or chicken and let it sear briefly before breaking it up.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until fully browned.

3. Add the Vegetables

Push meat to the sides of the pan. Add onion and bell pepper to the center and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in zucchini or spinach and cook until tender or wilted.

4. Simmer the Sauce

Pour in marinara sauce, stir to combine, and reduce heat to low.
Simmer for 5–10 minutes, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.

5. Combine & Finish

Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat.
Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Top with cheese if using and cover briefly to melt.

Notes

Undercook protein pasta slightly—it softens more when mixed with sauce
Don’t rinse pasta; starch helps the sauce cling
Grated zucchini blends seamlessly for hidden veggies
Save pasta water for a silky, restaurant-style finish