Healthy High Protein Pesto Pasta

This healthy high-protein pesto pasta recipe combines fresh basil, Greek yogurt, and unflavored whey protein for a creamy, nutrient-dense meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a balanced weeknight dinner.

If you love pesto pasta but want a version that’s actually balanced and protein-packed, this one’s for you. This creamy, vibrant green pasta takes everything you love about traditional pesto and gives it a nutritious upgrade, thanks to Greek yogurt and a scoop of unflavored whey protein.

It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep, post-run refueling, or an easy weeknight dinner that feels fancy but comes together fast.

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Pesto Pasta

• Protein-packed: A scoop of unflavored whey and Greek yogurt adds a serious protein boost without changing the flavor.
• Creamy and rich: The combo of yogurt and olive oil makes the sauce silky-smooth without heavy cream.
• Customizable: Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta, or even chickpea pasta for extra protein.
• Simple ingredients: Fresh, whole foods and minimal prep for big flavor.

How to Make It

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 scoop unflavored whey protein powder (see below for brand recs)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz whole grain or gluten-free pasta
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions:

1. Cook your pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook your pasta al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Make the pesto: In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic. Slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the protein boost: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and whey protein until smooth and creamy. Stir into your pesto until smooth and fully combined.
4. Combine: Toss the warm pasta with your creamy pesto, adding pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
5. Garnish and serve: Top with extra Parmesan, a few fresh basil leaves, or halved cherry tomatoes.

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Protein Powder Recommendations

For best results, use a clean, unflavored whey or plant-based protein that blends smoothly and doesn’t overpower the pesto flavor. Some great options include:

• Raw Organic Whey – grass-fed, mixes easily (code HEALTHYHELPER saves!)
• Devotion Nutrition – unflavored, for a smooth, neutral base (code HEALTHYHELPER saves!)
• PEScience Select Multi-Purpose Protein (code HEALTHYHELPER saves!)

Nutrition Highlights

• High in protein (over 30g per serving, depending on your pasta and protein powder)
• Packed with antioxidants from fresh basil
• Balanced with healthy fats from olive oil and nuts
• Gut-friendly thanks to Greek yogurt

This healthy, high-protein pesto pasta proves that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. It’s creamy, comforting, and loaded with everything your body and taste buds crave. Perfect for your next meal prep or when you want something that feels indulgent but fuels you right.

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