Getting enough additional nutrients with pasta dishes can be a challenge! Not to mention the time and prep that goes into preparing multiple elements of a balanced dish. That’s why I turn to this high-protein pasta bake – it’s easy, I know it’s nutritious, and it’s actually good. Whether you want to grate the cheese or buy packets from the grocery store is your prerogative, but you can easily get this on the table in under 45 minutes (with only 15 minutes of prep).

Tips for Making This High-Protein Pasta Bake

One reason I love this meal? It works really well for a pantry or fridge clean-out when you need to move some ingredients. While I listed specific things below, here are some ways you can tweak it based on what you may have at home.

Cheese Additions

Cottage Cheese: If you have ricotta (or a similar mild cheese like mascarpone or crème fraîche), add it in with the cottage cheese for a little extra protein. Note: do not do this with sour cream or cream cheese as they will seriously alter the flavor.

Mozzarella and Parmesan: Much like above, you can use any similar melty cheese (like burrata) along with the mozz, and any nutty cheese (like asiago) with the parmesan.

Add in Veggies

Blending in mild veggies to the sauce (especially squash like zucchini, acorn, or butternut) adds extra fiber and vitamins with little-to-no change in flavor for picky eaters. I do not recommend veggies that may alter the texture too much, such as carrots (too crunchy) or broccoli. Leafy greens will blend in well, but they may make the color of the sauce a bit…unappetizing.

Choose Your Own Sauce

I recommend using your preferred jarred red sauce for the best flavor, but if you want to experiment with alfredo or pesto, I won’t stop you! Just know that since pesto is so potent, you’ll want to use about half the amount of pesto as you would red sauce, and reserve extra pasta water. Adding sautéed spinach to pesto is a great way to up the nutritional value as well!

Tweak the Pasta

This recipe works well with any kind of short pasta! For the highest protein option, protein pasta (like Banza chickpea pasta) works well. You can also easily make this gluten free by using GF pasta! Whatever type of pasta you use, make sure to undercook it by a minute or two according to the package directions. I like fusili, penne, ziti, or macaroni!

Add in Some Meat!

While this dish has plenty of protein sans meat, for anyone who wants more, you can easily add meat to this bake! Just make sure you cook it thoroughly before tossing it in with the sauce and noodles. Here are some options of meat to include:

• Italian Sausage
• Ground Turkey
• Rotisserie Chicken

Easy High-Protein Pasta Bake Recipe