Barilla Protein+ Stars Pasta – Plant-Based Wellness Pantry Staple for High-Protein Family Dinners
Barilla Protein+ Stars Pasta – Plant-Based Wellness Pantry Staple for High-Protein Family Dinners
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Why you'll love it
- Delivers 17g of plant-based protein per serving without sacrificing the classic pasta taste kids and adults already love
- Star shape makes it fun and approachable for picky eaters while still providing serious nutrition
- Clean, recognizable ingredients (semolina, durum wheat, lentils, chickpeas, peas) appeal to Non-GMO and ingredient-conscious shoppers
- Cooks just like traditional pasta in 8–10 minutes, so no learning curve or extra time for busy households
- Kosher certified and Non-GMO Project Verified, which broadens its fit for households with dietary or religious guidelines
- Good source of fiber plus added B vitamins and iron delivers more nutritional value than standard pasta
Perfect for
- High-protein weeknight family dinner with marinara or pesto
- Kid-friendly pasta meal that sneaks in plant protein and fiber
- Weekly meal prep base for high-protein lunches and dinners
- Post-workout pasta bowl with lean protein and vegetables
- Kosher-friendly pasta option for holiday and Shabbat meals
Product Information
BARILLA PROTEIN PLUS PASTA: Good source of plant-based protein with a classic taste, simple ingredients, and star pasta shape
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 & 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+: A delicious alternative to other brands of high protein pasta, protein spaghetti, protein noodles and other types of high protein food
Barilla Protein+ (Plus) provides a good source of plant-based protein for the whole family—while keeping the classic taste your whole family loves! Made with delicious golden wheat and protein from lentils, chickpeas, and peas, Barilla Protein+ pasta provides a good source of protein for the whole family with 17g of protein per 3.5oz serving. Barilla Protein+ Penne is a delicious multigrain pasta made with simple ingredients like semolina and durum wheat as well as protein-rich lentils, peas and chickpeas. A good source of protein, make Protein+ a part of your next healthy, nutritious pasta meal! Protein+ is made with non-GMO ingredients. Barilla Protein Plus pasta cooks just like traditional pasta! Simply boil 4-6 quarts of salted water, add the pasta and boil for 8-10 minutes. We love to cook our pasta for 8 minutes, but you can add 1-2 extra minutes for more tender pasta.
Ingredients
SEMOLINA (WHEAT), DURUM WHEAT FLOUR, LENTIL FLOUR, PEA PROTEIN, CHICKPEA FLOUR, VITAMIN B3 (NIACIN), IRON (FERROUS SULFATE), VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE MONONITRATE), VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN), FOLIC ACID. CONTAINS WHEAT INGREDIENTS.
Items Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Barilla Protein+ Stars actually help me hit my daily protein goals without supplements?
Each 3.5 oz serving delivers 17g of 100% plant-based protein from lentils, peas, and chickpeas, so a single plate of pasta can meaningfully contribute to your daily protein intake alongside other whole foods.
Is this pasta a good source of fiber for a gut-friendly diet?
Yes. The blend of semolina with lentil, chickpea, and pea flours makes it a good source of dietary fiber, which supports digestion and satiety compared to standard refined pasta.
Does it include added vitamins and minerals I would normally get from fortified foods?
Each serving is fortified with iron, niacin (B3), thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), and folic acid, so you get more nutritional coverage than you would from plain traditional pasta.
Is the ingredient list clean enough for a Non-GMO or whole-food lifestyle?
Yes. It is Non-GMO Project Verified and made with recognizable ingredients like durum wheat semolina, lentil flour, chickpea flour, and pea protein, with no artificial colors or flavors.
Will it still feel like a comforting, satisfying pasta meal, or does the nutrition change the taste?
It cooks in 8–10 minutes like traditional pasta and uses durum wheat semolina to preserve a familiar al dente bite and classic pasta flavor that pairs with any sauce.
Can I use this as the base of a post-workout pasta bowl for active recovery?
Absolutely. With 17g of plant protein, complex carbs from semolina, and added B vitamins, it works well as the carbohydrate base of a balanced post-workout bowl with lean protein and vegetables.
Is Barilla Protein+ Stars suitable for a flexitarian or mostly plant-based diet?
Yes. It is 100% plant-based, so flexitarian households can use it to reduce meat portions while still serving a protein-rich, filling pasta meal the whole family enjoys.
How does the nutritional profile compare to regular semolina pasta?
It delivers about three times the protein, more fiber, and added iron and B vitamins compared to standard semolina pasta of the same serving size.
Is this pasta better than a separate protein powder and regular pasta routine?
Yes. The protein is built into the pasta itself, so you get a single ingredient that cooks like traditional pasta, eliminating the need to mix powders into sauce or dough.
Is it a good fit for a Mediterranean or balanced-plate eating style?
Yes. It pairs well with olive oil, vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins, fitting naturally into Mediterranean, balanced-plate, and half-plate-veggies frameworks.
Will my family notice the legume taste and reject it?
Most families find the flavor close to traditional semolina pasta when served with sauce. The durum wheat base and standard 8–10 minute cook time keep the taste familiar.
Is it filling enough to replace a meat-based pasta dish at dinner?
Yes. The combination of 17g of plant protein, complex carbs, and fiber makes it more satiating than standard pasta, so it can stand in for a meat-sauce dish with vegetables.
Does the higher protein content cause any digestive discomfort compared to regular pasta?
Most people tolerate it well. The fiber comes from familiar lentil, chickpea, and pea flours, so any adjustment is usually mild and temporary as your gut adapts.
How do I cook Barilla Protein+ Stars on the stovetop?
Bring 4–6 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil, add the pasta, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and toss with your favorite sauce or a drizzle of olive oil.
Can I cook Barilla Protein+ Stars in an Instant Pot or pasta pot?
Yes. Follow the package directions adapted to your appliance, using about 4 cups of water per 14.5 oz box and a standard 8–10 minute high-pressure cycle for an Instant Pot, with a quick release.
How should I store leftover cooked Barilla Protein+ Stars?
Refrigerate cooked pasta in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Toss with a small amount of olive oil or sauce before storing to keep it from drying out.
Is Barilla Protein+ Stars compatible with gluten-free diets?
No. This product contains wheat (semolina and durum wheat) and is not compatible with gluten-free diets, though it does contain legume flours alongside the wheat.
Is Barilla Protein+ Stars compatible with vegan and vegetarian diets?
Yes. It is 100% plant-based and contains no animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian households.
What comes in the box when I order a single pack or 2-pack bundle?
A single pack includes one 14.5 oz box of Barilla Protein+ Stars pasta. The 2-pack bundle includes two 14.5 oz boxes. No additional accessories or ingredients are included.
Is Barilla Protein+ Stars safe for people with legume allergies?
No. It contains lentil, chickpea, and pea flours, so it is not suitable for individuals with legume allergies.
Is Barilla Protein+ Stars made in the USA and what certifications does it carry?
Yes. It is made in the USA and is Non-GMO Project Verified and kosher certified.
What is the difference between Barilla Protein+ Stars and regular chickpea or lentil pasta?
Barilla Protein+ Stars blends durum wheat semolina with legume flours, giving it a more traditional pasta texture and taste, while still delivering 17g of plant protein per serving compared to most 100% legume pastas.
