Vegetarian pasta e fagioli, or italian pasta with beans, is a great high-protein pasta recipe for vegetarians and vegans (or italians). Pasta fagioli is made from small pasta (use little shells, bow ties, or even macaroni elbows) and white beans cooked in an italian-seasoned tomato sauce with plenty of garlic, fresh basil, oregano and lots of paprika for extra flavor. We love this dish because we absolutely love loading up on carbs (yum) but the white beans, tomato sauce and fresh herbs temper the carbs, adding a protein boost. This pasta fagioli recipe is made with great northern beans for plenty of healthy fiber and protein. To make your pasta fagioli even higher in protein, use whole wheat pasta. As is, this recipe is both vegetarian and completely vegan (and it would be gluten-free if you used gluten-free pasta), but you could top it off with some parmesan cheese if you're not eating vegan, or nutritional yeast, if you are.
