Try These 3 Easy High-Protein Pasta Recipes

Try These 3 Easy High-Protein Pasta Recipes

These three high-protein pasta recipes are delicious, easy to make, and will help you hit your protein goals easily. With Sturdy Marinara Sauce, you can enjoy every bite without worrying about empty calories. 


High-Protein Bolognese

Bolognese is a hearty, comforting dish, and with Sturdy Marinara Sauce, you’re turning a classic into a protein powerhouse. Using lean ground beef and high-protein pasta, this recipe is both satisfying and nutritious.


What You’ll Need

  • 1 jar (16 oz) Sturdy Sauce Marinara 
  • 1 lb high-protein spaghetti (chickpea, lentil, or whole-wheat)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste

How to Make It 

  1. Cook the high-protein pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened.
  3. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
  4. Once the meat is browned, pour in Sturdy Marinara Sauce and let it simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan. 

Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs

For busy days, nothing beats the convenience of a slow-cooker meal. These high-protein meatballs simmer to perfection in Sturdy Marinara Sauce, making this recipe easy and protein-rich.

What You’ll Need

  • 1 jar Sturdy Sauce Marinara or Sweet Basil 
  • 1 lb high-protein spaghetti
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It 

  1. Combine ground beef or turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix and form into small meatballs.
  2. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and cover them with Sturdy Marinara Sauce. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  3. Near the end of the cooking time, prepare the high-protein spaghetti.
  4. Once done, serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti and enjoy! 

 

Chef’s Tip

Using the Sturdy Sweet Basil Sauce in this recipe will bring a fragrant, herby twist to the classic dish. The sweet basil flavor pairs well with meatballs, adding a layer of freshness to balance out the rich meat and pasta.

 

Penne Arrabbiata

This Penne Arrabbiata will keep you fueled with protein and flavor for a spicy kick. With Sturdy Marinara Sauce as the base, you’ll get a balance of heat and heartiness in every bite.

 

What You’ll Need

  • 1 jar Sturdy Sauce Marinara
  • 1 lb high-protein penne pasta
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

 

How to Make It

  1. Cook the high-protein penne pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic in a large pan until softened.
  3. Add red pepper flakes and sauté for another minute before adding Sturdy Marinara Sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

 

Why Sturdy Sauce? 

Sturdy Sauce is not your run-of-the-mill sauce. It packs 20 grams of protein per serving. Whether you're tossing it with pasta or using it as a pizza base, you’re boosting your protein intake without even trying. 

It adds a rich, bold flavor to anything you cook, from hearty Bolognese to simple grilled veggies. Perfect for meal prep or a quick, high-protein dinner, it’s your new kitchen go-to when you want to keep things tasty and nutritious.

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