Barilla Protein+ Elbows Pasta – Plant-Based Protein for Mindful Meal Prep, High-Fiber Family Dinners
Barilla Protein+ Elbows Pasta – Plant-Based Protein for Mindful Meal Prep, High-Fiber Family Dinners
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Why you'll love it
- delivers 17g of plant-based protein per serving from lentil, pea, and chickpea flours instead of relying on meat for protein
- packs extra fiber alongside protein for more satiating, gut-friendly meals than traditional semolina pasta
- cooks in just 5 minutes for fast weeknight dinners on busy schedules
- trusted Barilla brand name with non-GMO, kosher, and USA-made credentials for ingredient-conscious buyers
- versatile elbow shape works for kid-favorite mac and cheese as well as adult pasta salads and baked dishes
- pack of 4 option offers better value for households that eat pasta frequently or for stocking the pantry
- Higher fiber and protein than whole wheat noodles
- Energized feeling after eating vs. typical full/tired feeling from regular pasta
- Texture is similar to regular elbows
- Texture difference noted as positive: noodles don't get mushy
- Cooks significantly faster than regular pasta (5-7 minutes)
- Works for people with wheat sensitivities (no reaction to wheat-based product)
- Works as a substitute where chickpea noodles have too strong a flavor
- Saves over $1.00 per box vs. store prices
Perfect for
- high-protein mac and cheese for family dinners
- summer pasta salad with vegetables for picnics and potlucks
- quick weeknight dinner tossed with marinara or pesto sauce
- baked pasta casserole for meal prepping lunches
- post-workout carbohydrate-protein meal to support recovery
- No-boil baked pasta recipes (reducing cook time to 15 min for recipes calling for 20 min)
- Tuna pasta salad
- Macaroni and cheese
- Spaghetti (used as substitute)
- Chickpea-noodle alternative in mild dishes where chickpea flavor doesn't work
- Sneaking protein into kids' meals
Product Information
BARILLA PROTEIN PLUS PASTA: Good source of plant-based protein with a classic taste, simple ingredients, and elbow pasta shape PROTEIN PLUS ELBOWS PASTA: Each 14.5 ounce box contains about 7, 2-ounce servings of plant based pasta PLANT BASED PASTA: Made with 17g of 100% plant-based protein from lentil flour, pea protein and chickpea flour per 3.5 oz. serving—it's a good source of fiber KOSHER CERTIFIED and NON-GMO PASTA: Barilla protein pasta is Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher certified and is made in the USA GREAT WITH YOUR FAVORITE SAUCE: Protein Plus tastes great served with pesto sauce or your favorite marinara sauce Protein Plus pasta pairs well with vegetable pasta sauce, cheese sauce, oil or butter-based pasta sauce and meat sauce BARILLA PROTEIN plus : A delicious alternative to other brands of high protein pasta, protein spaghetti, protein noodles and other types of high protein food PERFECTION IN UNDER 10 MINUTES: Boil 4–6 quarts of salted water, add pasta and boil for 5 minutes (add 1 or 2 extra minutes for more tender pasta), drain pasta and top with your favorite Barilla pasta sauce ELBOWS PASTA: This fun shape is perfect for your favorite macaroni and cheese, summer pasta salad, baked pasta dishes, or tossed with your favorite dairy (like butter and cheese) or tomato-based sauces Get inspired with Barilla Enjoy the full range of Barilla pasta and pasta sauces, including Ready Pasta, Protein plus Pasta, Whole Grain Pasta, Gluten Free Pasta, Chickpea Pasta and Red Lentil Pasta. Get inspired with Barilla Enjoy the full range of Barilla pasta and pasta sauces, including Ready Pasta, Protein plus Pasta, Whole Grain Pasta, Gluten Free Pasta, Chickpea Pasta and Red Lentil Pasta. Show more
Product Dimensions : 5 x 3 x 3 inches; 14.5 ounces UPC : 076808533590 Manufacturer : Barilla Units : 14.5 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #7,234 in Grocery & Gourmet Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the 17g of plant protein per serving actually keep me fuller than regular pasta?
Yes. The combination of lentil, pea, and chickpea flours delivers 17g of protein plus extra dietary fiber per 3.5 oz serving, which most wellness-focused eaters report as more satiating and less likely to leave you feeling sluggish after a meal compared to traditional semolina elbows.
Is this pasta gentle enough for a gut-friendly daily rotation?
For most wellness-minded buyers, yes. It is a good source of dietary fiber from legume flours, which supports digestive health, and it is non-GMO Project Verified, kosher certified, and made in the USA for ingredient-conscious shoppers building a mindful pantry.
How does eating this pasta fit into a self-care or balanced lifestyle routine?
It is designed to slot into meal prep without disrupting your routine. Each box cooks in about 5 minutes, so a high-protein, high-fiber bowl can become a reliable Sunday reset meal or a midday fuel-up without derailing your wellness plan.
Does the legume base cause any bloating compared to wheat pasta?
Some wellness buyers new to legume-based pasta experience mild adjustment in the first week. Many regulars report that the higher fiber and protein actually leave them feeling more energized and less weighed down than typical semolina elbows, especially at standard serving sizes.
Is the ingredient list simple enough for a clean-eating household?
Yes. The protein comes from recognizable legume flours (lentil, pea, chickpea) rather than isolates or mystery blends, and the product is non-GMO Project Verified, which is often a baseline requirement for clean-eating wellness shoppers.
What should I look for in a high-protein pasta that fits a wellness routine?
Wellness buyers typically prioritize at least 15g of protein per serving, a meaningful fiber boost, a short recognizable ingredient list, and trusted certifications. This Barilla line checks those boxes with 17g plant protein, legume-based fiber, and non-GMO, kosher, and USA-made credentials.
Can I use this in a weekly meal prep rotation without getting bored?
Absolutely. The classic elbow shape works for mac and cheese, pasta salad with vegetables, baked casseroles tossed with marinara or pesto, and tuna pasta salad, so you can rotate flavors across a week without repeating the same dish.
Will this pasta help me hit my daily protein target without protein powder?
It is a useful whole-food contributor. With 17g of plant protein per 3.5 oz serving, one bowl can meaningfully move the needle on daily protein for wellness eaters who prefer to get their macros from meals rather than shakes.
Is this pasta a smart swap if I am reducing meat but not going fully plant-based?
Yes. Flexitarian and reducetarian eaters often use it as a base and add smaller portions of chicken, shrimp, or cheese on top, which still raises the overall protein and fiber of the plate while cutting back on red and processed meat.
How does this compare to a whole wheat elbow for a fiber-focused diet?
It typically delivers more protein and more fiber per serving than a standard whole wheat elbow because the base flours are legumes rather than wheat, which is one reason wellness buyers stack it in their pantry alongside or instead of whole wheat.
Is this better than chickpea-only pasta for someone watching ingredients?
Many wellness buyers prefer the lentil, pea, and chickpea blend because it is milder in flavor than a 100% chickpea noodle while still delivering 17g of protein, making it easier to use in a wider range of wellness bowls and salads.
How does this compare to legume pastas from other brands for a clean-eating kitchen?
It stands out for the recognizable three-legume blend, the 17g protein per serving, the 5-minute cook time, and the Barilla brand trust plus non-GMO, kosher, and USA-made certifications that clean-eating households often require.
I am sensitive to additives. Is the ingredient list short?
The protein comes from lentil flour, pea protein, and chickpea flour, which keeps the ingredient panel straightforward. There are no protein isolates listed as the primary source, which is a common objection among ingredient-conscious wellness buyers.
Will it make my energy crash like regular pasta sometimes does?
Many wellness users report feeling more energized after a bowl compared to traditional semolina pasta, which they attribute to the higher protein and fiber content slowing digestion and stabilizing the post-meal energy curve.
Is this a good fit if I am rebuilding my pantry around more plant-based staples?
Yes. It is an easy first swap because the elbow shape and texture behave like traditional macaroni, so existing recipes transfer with no learning curve while the nutrition profile moves you toward a more plant-forward kitchen.
I worry plant protein pasta tastes gritty or chalky. How is the texture?
Most wellness buyers describe the texture as close to traditional elbows and note that the noodles do not get mushy when cooked to the package time, which addresses the most common objection to high-protein pasta.
How do I cook Barilla Protein+ Elbows Pasta on the stove?
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the elbows for about 5 to 7 minutes for al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and toss with your sauce of choice, or rinse briefly under cold water if you are making a pasta salad.
Can I use this pasta in no-boil baked pasta recipes?
Yes. You can use it as a substitute in no-boil baked pasta recipes and reduce the total bake time by roughly 5 minutes compared to the 20 minutes a traditional recipe would call for, since the noodles absorb liquid and soften faster than standard semolina elbows.
How do I store cooked leftovers, and how long do they last?
Store cooked pasta in a sealed container in the refrigerator and use within 3 to 4 days. For pasta salad, toss with a small amount of olive oil or dressing before refrigerating to keep the elbows from clumping together.
Is this pasta compatible with gluten-free diets?
No. This product is made with wheat-based semolina plus lentil, pea, and chickpea flours, so it is not suitable for anyone with celiac disease or a strict gluten-free diet. Buyers who need gluten-free should look for a 100% legume or rice-based pasta instead.
Does this pasta work for people with wheat sensitivities who are not celiac?
Many buyers with non-celiac wheat sensitivities report no reaction, and some people with psoriatic arthritis or autoimmune conditions who react to wheat-based products have shared that this particular pasta does not trigger them. That said, individual responses vary, so introduce it gradually and consult your healthcare provider if you have a diagnosed condition.
What comes in the box, and do I need to buy anything else to make a meal?
Each 14.5 oz box contains seven 2 oz servings of dry elbow macaroni. You will need to add water, salt, and a sauce or mix-in of your choice, such as cheese, marinara, pesto, vegetables, or tuna. The 4-pack simply bundles four of those boxes together for stocking the pantry.
Is this pasta safe for people with diabetes or anyone managing blood sugar?
The legume-based flours and added fiber tend to produce a more gradual blood sugar response than traditional semolina pasta, but it is still a carbohydrate. People managing diabetes should treat it like any other pasta, watch portion size, pair it with protein and vegetables, and follow the guidance of their healthcare provider.
Is this product non-GMO, kosher, and made in the USA?
Yes. Barilla Protein+ Elbows are non-GMO Project Verified, kosher certified, and made in the USA, which is part of why the product is popular with ingredient-conscious shoppers building a trusted pantry.
How does this pasta differ from traditional semolina elbows and from whole wheat elbows?
Traditional semolina elbows are made from refined wheat and are mostly carbohydrate with very little protein or fiber. Whole wheat elbows add some fiber but only modest protein. This Barilla Protein+ Elbows line uses lentil, pea, and chickpea flours alongside wheat to deliver 17g of plant protein and a noticeable fiber boost per serving, with a mild flavor and a texture close to a traditional elbow.
