High Protein Pasta Perfection: Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Delight

High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Introduction

High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is the answer to anyone craving a comfort-food pasta dish that doesn’t skimp on nutrition. With its vibrant roasted red pepper sauce, this pasta delivers luscious creaminess and rich flavor—while sneaking in extra protein to keep you feeling satisfied. It’s a weeknight winner that’s as perfect for feeding a crowd as it is for meal prepping healthy lunches.

Deliciously Unique High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

This recipe stands out because it combines the sweet depth of roasted red peppers with savory garlic, Italian spices, and a secretly high-protein base from Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Combined with your favorite protein-rich pasta, it’s creamy, velvety, and surprisingly light. The blend of plant-based and dairy protein makes every bite as nourishing as it is delicious.

Building the Perfect Creamy Red Pepper Sauce

The sauce begins with roasted red bell peppers (store-bought or homemade for simplicity), sautéed onion and garlic, a touch of smoked paprika, and a dash of Italian seasoning. Blend these with creamy Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to create a silky, protein-packed sauce. For even more protein, stir in cooked shredded chicken, sautéed tofu, or chickpeas. The result: a thick, beautiful red sauce that avoids the heaviness of traditional cream.

Assembling Your High Protein Pasta Bowl

Once the sauce is ready, toss it with warm, just-cooked protein pasta—such as whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil pasta—for an extra boost. Add grilled chicken, turkey, beans, or tofu for even more protein. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Serve this pasta hot from the stove, garnished with a handful of arugula or baby spinach for added greens. A scatter of toasted pine nuts or vegan parmesan makes it extra special. Pair with a leafy salad or steamed vegetables for a full, balanced meal—perfect for fueling a busy day or impressing guests at your table.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 hearty servings. With high-protein pasta and Greek yogurt, each serving typically contains 25-30g of protein, 400-450 calories, and a good dose of fiber and vitamins from the roasted peppers. It’s a filling and balanced main course for any night of the week.

Ingredients

8 ounces high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat)
2 large roasted red bell peppers (jarred, drained, or home-roasted)
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt OR cottage cheese (for extra creaminess and protein)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional protein add-ins: 1 cup cooked shredded chicken, sautéed tofu, or chickpeas
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Optional toppings: toasted pine nuts or vegan parmesan

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list—with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Cook the high-protein pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water for the sauce.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent; add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute).
  3. Transfer onion, garlic, roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese), and a large pinch of salt and pepper to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. If needed, add reserved pasta water to thin to desired consistency.
  4. Pour the sauce back into the skillet over low heat. Stir in any cooked protein add-ins (chicken, tofu, or chickpeas) and heat until warmed through.
  5. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Divide among plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and optional toppings.

Weekly Meal Planning

This High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is ideal for weekly meal prep and planning. Save and schedule this recipe to select which days you’ll enjoy it and generate a smart shopping list—all your meals’ ingredients organized for quick, efficient shopping.

Planning Benefits:

  • Automatically calculates total ingredient amounts across recipes for the week
  • Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section (produce, dairy, pantry, etc.)
  • Prevents duplicate buying and forgotten items—no more wasted time or food
  • Makes nutritious eating simple, consistent, and stress-free

Pro tip: When you schedule this recipe with other high-protein meals, CookifyAI consolidates similar ingredients—like Greek yogurt or pasta—so you only buy exactly what you need. That means less food waste and more savings.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

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