High-Protein Feta Pasta: A Healthy Spin on the Viral Favorite
If you’ve been on the internet at all, you’ve probably heard of the viral feta pasta that had everyone rushing to the kitchen. And rightfully so—it’s simple, creamy, and bursting with flavor! But if you know me, you know I love taking recipes like this and giving them a healthy twist. By swapping regular pasta for protein-packed pasta and adding lean ground turkey, I’ve created a version of this dish that’s just as indulgent but much more balanced.
This high-protein feta pasta has quickly become a favorite in my household, and I know it’ll be a hit in yours too!
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Makes 5 Servings):
• Calories: 358
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 34g
• Fat: 12.8g
Ingredients
For the turkey:
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the pasta bake:
• 8 oz protein pasta (such as Banza or Barilla Protein+)
• 6 oz cherry or grape tomatoes
• 6-8 oz feta cheese (choose reduced-fat feta for an even lighter option)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup fresh spinach
1. Cook the Ground Turkey
• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chicken bouillon, salt, and black pepper. Break up the meat as it cooks and set aside when done.
2. Cook the Pasta
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the protein pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
• Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a baking dish, add the cherry or grape tomatoes and the block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bake the Tomatoes and Feta
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce
• Remove the baking dish from the oven and use a fork to mash the roasted tomatoes and feta together, creating a creamy sauce.
6. Combine Everything
• Add the cooked pasta, ground turkey, and fresh spinach to the baking dish. Toss everything together until well combined, allowing the heat from the dish to wilt the spinach.
7. Serve and Enjoy
• Divide into 5 equal servings and enjoy your creamy, high-protein feta pasta!
Meal Storage Safety Tips
• Cool Properly: Allow the dish to cool completely before storing to avoid excess condensation in the container.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Store in airtight meal prep containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
• Use Within 4 Days: For maximum freshness and safety, consume this dish within 4 days of preparation.
• Reheat Safely: Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming hot before eating.
Additional Notes
• Make it Spicy: For an extra kick, add chili flakes to the sauce or season the turkey with a pinch of cayenne.
• Pasta Options: If you’re not a fan of protein pasta, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta will also work well.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to toss in extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers when mixing everything together for added nutrients.
• Cheese Substitutes: Not a fan of feta? Goat cheese works beautifully as a creamy alternative.
This healthier feta pasta is proof that “diet food” doesn’t have to be boring. It’s delicious, satisfying, and so simple to make—you’ll want to add it to your meal prep rotation every week! Let me know how you like it!