All you need is a single pot and a box of your favorite noodles to make these recipes.
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Getting dinner on the table can be quite the challenge after a full day’s work (that’s no secret), but it’s also why we’re obsessed with one-pot meals. They’re quick, easy and usually require minimal ingredients.
And one of our favorite meals to transform into a one-pot wonder is pasta.
Pasta dishes can be laborious, but these one-pot recipes prove that you can enjoy a comforting meal without using every pot in your cabinet. We asked two registered dietitians to help us round up healthy one-pot pasta recipes that pack the protein, so you’ll be full for hours.
Ground turkey, onions, garlic, tomatoes and herbs simmer together for a delicious, protein-packed pot of goodness.
468
32 grams of protein
Not only is this dish rich in protein, but it is a good source of fiber, too, thanks to the zucchini and onion that offer such great flavor. Feel free to swap out the turkey for another lean protein of your choosing.
2. Easy One Pot Ravioli Soup
A protein-packed soup that’s full of flavor? Turns out it’s not too good to be true.
290 calories
24 grams of protein
Shake up pasta night by serving something that requires a spoon. This heavenly one pot ravioli soup is packed with a surprising amount of protein (24 grams!), thanks to the lean ground beef that’s oh so hearty. Don’t forget to grate just a bit of parmesan cheese atop your bowl for a delightfully savory finish.
Making this American family favorite just got a whole lot easier (fewer dishes included).
483 calories
28 grams of protein
“The canned tomatoes in this recipe delivers a nice dose of the antioxidant lycopene,” says Amy Gorin, RDN, plant-based registered dietitian and owner of Plant-Based Eats. And even though ground beef is the star of this dish, you can swap for any protein of your choice including turkey, chicken or seafood.
4. One-Pot Pasta With Peas and Bacon
Go for turkey bacon if you want to cut down on your saturated fat intake.
428 calories
21.2 grams of protein
Adding peas to any pasta dish helps to boost the fiber, since 2/3 cup of the legume has 4 grams of fiber, according to the USDA. And the use of yogurt in this pasta dish adds probiotic benefits, Gorin says.
5. Grandma’s One-Pan Homemade Hamburger Helper
Skip the boxed mix for this homemade version that’s full of protein.
291 calories
30 grams of protein
Lean ground beef is the superstar of this family favorite. If you’re looking to cut down on the salt, consider using low-sodium broth in this recipe. To make it a well-balanced meal, pair this beefy pasta with a green vegetable or side salad.
6. Lightened Up One-Skillet Shrimp Alfredo
Enjoy all the flavors of traditional alfredo with just a fraction of the calories thanks to quick and easy healthy swaps.
445 calories
37 grams of protein
Alfredo is one of those pasta dishes that never sounds healthy — until now. This lightened-up version uses 1 percent milk instead of heavy cream to make a creamy base. Note that the dairy milk can be replaced with almond, coconut or oat milk if you’re following a dairy-free diet.
7. One-Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi
Thanks to the shortcut rotisserie chicken, you can whip up this skinny pasta on a busy weeknight.
393 calories
12.6 grams of protein
We love that this recipe is gluten-free and comes together in just 15 minutes. To lighten up this pasta dish even more, swap out the half and half for 2 percent milk. Oh, and don’t forget to load up on the spinach for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.
No need to order delivery when you can get all the flavors of your favorite pizza in an easy-to-make pasta dish.
432 calories
30 grams of protein
Thanks to the ground beef, cheese and pepperoni, this one-pot dish packs some major protein. “If you’re looking to add more fiber, choose whole-grain pasta,” Rachael Hartley, RD and author of Gentle Nutrition, says.
9. One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
This pasta is cheesy and creamy with a hint of pesto flavor.
748.68 calories
41.75 grams of protein
Consider this a well-balanced meal in a pot. “The use of sun-dried tomatoes concentrates all the benefits found in fresh tomatoes with more vitamin C, lycopene and fiber,” Hartley says. And for even more nutritional benefits, sneak in additional veggies like peppers, broccoli or peas.
This deconstructed turkey pot pie is sure to become an immediate family favorite.
362 calories
24 grams of protein
Pot pie is a beloved dish, but it doesn’t necessarily come together quick: If you’re making the whole thing from scratch, it can be pretty labor-intensive. This one pot pot pie recipe is a riff on the comforting staple that requires way fewer dishes to prepare. We especially love that it’s brimming with veggies and takes just 25 minutes to cook!
11. Whole-Wheat Pasta With Sausage, Peas and Ricotta
One serving of this pasta has more than 8 grams of fiber.
571 calories
32 grams of protein
“Whole-grain pasta is a tasty and budget-friendly source of fiber,” Hartley says. To make this a well-balanced meal, she suggests adding more veggies and serving it with a salad of arugula, toasted walnuts and a lemon vinaigrette.
12. Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
Using jarred pasta sauce is a well-appreciated shortcut to make this one-pot dish even easier.
333 calories
21 grams of protein
You only need eight ingredients to whip up this pasta dish. The only thing missing is a healthy dose of vegetables. Consider adding spinach or kale to the pasta bake or serving with a side of grilled zucchini and squash to round out the meal.
13. Magic One-Pot Mac and Cheese
This cheesy dish is kid- and parent-approved.
539 calories
26 grams of protein
While we like to consider mac and cheese a well-balanced meal, it doesn’t quite cut it if you’re looking to adopt a healthy lifestyle. “Serve this with crispy baked chicken thighs and roasted broccoli for a balanced meal,” Hartley suggests.
You’ll get 4.7 grams of fiber in each serving of this vegan pasta.
415 calories
15.7 grams of protein
“Mushrooms are a great way to add meaty, umami flavor to meatless dishes,” Hartley says. “They’re also packed with antioxidants, zinc and vitamin D.” To add even more protein, pop in a plant-based source like vegan sausage or tempeh.
If you love vegetables, you’ll adore this veggie-loaded pasta.
427 calories
13.7 grams of protein
Whether you’re vegan or not, we can all benefit from enjoying a meatless meal from time to time. Instead of adding beef or chicken, pack on more protein with ingredients like chickpeas or vegan meat substitutes, Hartley suggests.
16. Creamy Lemon One-Pot Pasta
All you need is 20 minutes to put together this one-pot, lemony dish.
373 calories
14 grams of protein
While this pasta looks delicious on its own, you can make it a more wholesome meal by adding grilled chicken strips and a side of roasted vegetables, Hartley says. And if you’re vegetarian, opt for tofu or peas.
17. One-Pot Summertime Primavera
Primavera pastas traditionally include a lightly sautéed variety of bright, colorful vegetables.
425 calories
29 grams of protein
If you love veggies or strive to eat more of them, primavera pasta is the way to go. There really are no rules or limitations with this pasta, so you can feel free to add as many vegetables as you’d like. “To add more protein to this dish, stir in a can of white beans,” Harley says.
18. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese With Broccoli
Sneaking in broccoli to this American favorite is a great way to get your littles ones to eat more vegetables.
472 calories
23.3 grams of protein
The combination of broccoli and mustard makes this mac and cheese recipe truly unique. “The sodium content is high, so consider cutting back or removing the added salt,” Gorin suggests.
19. One-Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Spinach Pasta
Customize this recipe by adding in a variety of spices and seasonings to boost flavor without adding extra calories.
216 calories
21 grams of protein
“Work in nutrient-rich green leafy veggies in this creamy pasta,” Hartley says. “Spinach packs a dose of vitamin C, iron, vitamin K, folic acid and calcium.” Plus, it won’t alter the flavor of your pasta, only up the nutrients.
20. One-Pot Pantry Pasta With Chickpeas and Peppers
Chickpeas add fiber, protein and minerals to your pasta dish.
279 calories
14 grams of protein
Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, weighing in at 10 grams per 1/2 cup serving, according to the USDA. To make this pasta dish even more nutritious, sneak in additional vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, spinach or onions.
21. One Pan Creamed Corn Orzo With Shrimp
Cajun flavors come together beautifully in this orzo-based dish.
462 calories
23 grams of protein
Say hello to flavor that’s extra satisfying. This memorable recipe requires just one skillet while packing in a multitude of textures, tastes and nutrients. The Cajun-seasoned shrimp gives this dish the majority of its protein, while the orzo and creamy corn serve as the perfect complements.
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