This wholesome high-protein pesto pasta recipe combines recent basil, Greek yogurt, and unflavored whey protein for a creamy, nutrient-dense meal that’s prepared in beneath half-hour. Good for a balanced weeknight dinner.
Should you love pesto pasta however need a model that’s really balanced and protein-packed, this one’s for you. This creamy, vibrant inexperienced pasta takes all the things you like about conventional pesto and provides it a nutritious improve, due to Greek yogurt and a scoop of unflavored whey protein.
It’s fast, satisfying, and ideal for meal prep, post-run refueling, or a simple weeknight dinner that feels fancy however comes collectively quick.
Why You’ll Love This Excessive-Protein Pesto Pasta
- Protein-packed: A scoop of unflavored whey and Greek yogurt provides a critical protein increase with out altering the flavour.
- Creamy and wealthy: The combo of yogurt and olive oil makes the sauce silky-smooth with out heavy cream.
- Customizable: Use entire grain or gluten-free pasta, and even chickpea pasta for additional protein.
- Easy elements: Contemporary, entire meals and minimal prep for large taste.

Tips on how to Make It
Components:
- 2 cups recent 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 under for model recs)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to style
- 8 oz entire grain or gluten-free pasta
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Directions:
- Cook dinner your pasta: Carry salted water to a boil and cook dinner your pasta al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water earlier than draining.
- Make the pesto: In a meals processor, mix basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic. Slowly drizzle in olive oil till {smooth}. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the protein increase: In a small bowl, whisk collectively the Greek yogurt and whey protein till {smooth} and creamy. Stir into your pesto till {smooth} and totally mixed.
- Mix: Toss the nice and cozy pasta together with your creamy pesto, including pasta water slightly at a time till it reaches your most popular consistency.
- Garnish and serve: High with additional Parmesan, a couple of recent basil leaves, or halved cherry tomatoes.

Wholesome Excessive-Protein Pesto Pasta
- Prep Time: quarter-hour
- Cook dinner Time: 10 minutes
- Complete Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Food plan: Gluten Free
- 2 cups recent 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 under for model recs)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to style
- 8 oz entire grain or gluten-free pasta
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Directions
- Cook dinner your pasta: Carry salted water to a boil and cook dinner your pasta al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water earlier than draining.
- Make the pesto: In a meals processor, mix basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic. Slowly drizzle in olive oil till {smooth}. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the protein increase: In a small bowl, whisk collectively the Greek yogurt and whey protein till {smooth} and creamy. Stir into your pesto till {smooth} and totally mixed.
- Mix: Toss the nice and cozy pasta together with your creamy pesto, including pasta water slightly at a time till it reaches your most popular consistency.
- Garnish and serve: High with additional Parmesan, a couple of recent basil leaves, or halved cherry tomatoes.
Protein Powder Suggestions
For finest outcomes, use a clear, unflavored whey or plant-based protein that blends easily and doesn’t overpower the pesto taste. Some nice choices embrace:

Diet Highlights
- Excessive in protein (over 30g per serving, relying in your pasta and protein powder)
- Filled with antioxidants from recent basil
- Balanced with wholesome fat from olive oil and nuts
- Intestine-friendly due to Greek yogurt
This wholesome, high-protein pesto pasta proves that you just don’t must sacrifice taste for diet. It’s creamy, comforting, and loaded with all the things your physique and style buds crave. Good to your subsequent meal prep or if you need one thing that feels indulgent however fuels you proper.
DISCOUNTS ON MY FAVORITE HEALTH PRODUCTS!
Keep linked:
Instagram: HealthyHelper
Snack Instagram: SnackLikeaChamp
Fb: Wholesome Helper
Twitter: @Healthy_Helper
Pinterest: Healthy_Helper
TikTok: SnackLikeAChamp
Store with me on Amazon. Favourite merchandise, enjoyable finds, and extra!
Uncover extra from Wholesome Helper
Subscribe to get the newest posts despatched to your electronic mail.






Discussion about this post