20 Banza Pasta Recipes That’re Healthy-ish (2024)

Naturally gluten-free and with 40% fewer net carbs per serving, these quick and easy Banza pasta recipes are a healthy, hearty game changer!

This stuff can do everything from simple spaghetti with marinara to decadent mac and cheese.

20 Banza Pasta Recipes That’re Healthy-ish (1)

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Banza isn’t your average pasta noodle. Instead, it’s made from a chickpea blend that’s higher in protein and fiber and lower in carbohydrates.

Plus, it helps keep you fuller for longer, which is ideal on a low-carb diet.

So, try these super simple, high-protein Banza pasta recipes. They’re ideal for indulging without the post-pasta bloat.

How to Cook Chickpea Pasta

1. Creamy Tomato Banza Chickpea Pasta With Mushrooms and Sweet Peppers

This aromatic and creamy pasta dish is low on calories without sacrificing flavor.

It earns a meaty texture from a blend of mushrooms and chickpea pasta noodles, along with some sweet notes from red and yellow peppers.

You’ll also swap out the heavy cream for mascarpone cheese, giving it a wonderfully decedent consistency without all the added fat.

It’s the perfect low-calorie meal for those of us that can’t live without pasta!

2. Banza Chickpea Pasta Bake

No one will go hungry after a hearty serving of Italian sausage and protein-rich Banza noodles.

Hearty and delicious, this easy pasta bake only calls for a few simple ingredients.So it’s a breeze to throw together.

Pair pasta noodles with Italian sausage, your favorite marinara sauce, and pile it high with mozzarella cheese.Easy as pie, right?

3. Chickpea Pasta Primavera

Primavera translates to ‘spring’ in Italian, and that’s precisely what this pasta bake tastes like!

It’s a light and refreshing dish that doesn’t need heavy sauces, but it’s still filling and indulgent.

Finely chopped sweet potatoes provide subtle sweet and earthy notes that pair perfectly with chickpea pasta and crisp broccoli.

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To keep this recipe vegan, swap out Parmesan cheese with a blend of almond flour and salt.Or sprinkle over a little nutritional yeast.

4. Asparagus Chicken Banza Pasta With Parsley Pesto

It’s lean, it’s green, and it’s the perfect summer dinner!

Pesto and pasta are a match made in heaven. And believe it or not, making pesto at home is surprisingly easy.

Just blitz walnuts (they’re much cheaper than pine nuts but just as buttery) with fresh parsley, lemon, and garlic.

That quick and easy creamy green sauce makes any pasta noodles sing.

5. Banza Pasta With Pesto and Chicken Feta Sausage

Chickpea pasta with pesto and chicken feta sausage is a must-try if you need a low-calorie dinner that doesn’t cut out everything you love.

The trick to a healthy pasta dish is to use enough protein, fat, and carbs to keep you full – but not overly full.

In this case, you’ll have enough carbs to satisfy your hunger, but not so many that you’ll need a nap after!

Use scrumptious chicken feta sausages with fresh veggies and a modest portion of chickpea noodles, and you’re all set.

Marry in a rich pesto sauce, and serve on a hot summer day. Delish!

6. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

Are you struggling to find a quick, healthy dinner dish for busy weeknights? Try this family-friendly one-pot wonder.

Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s overflowing with hearty chickpea pasta, bright, earthy spinach, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil.

To keep it vegan, top your decadent dinner dish with a dash of nutritional yeast (you can find it online or in most health sections). Yum!

7. Chickpea Pasta With Roasted Broccoli Sauce

Nothing celebrates the earthy flavors of broccoli quite like chickpea pasta in a roasted broccoli sauce.

If you’ve never thought of blitzing broccoli into a pasta sauce, don’t worry – you’re not alone. But isn’t it genius?

It looks incredible, and it tastes even better! Especially if you roast the broccoli to give it a richer, smoky flavor.

Add some spinach, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a dash of lemon juice to lift those earthy flavors, and you’re left with something spectacular.

8. One-Pot Creamy Banza Pasta

Here’s a one-pot creamy dish that’s vegetarian-friendly, super filling, and jam-packed with hidden protein.

You’ll add eggs to the mixture when it’s hot, creating a rich and creamy sauce that’s sure to please.

Just be sure to mix everything well; otherwise, you’ll end up with scrambled eggs.

9. Chickpea Pasta With Zucchini and Corn

Chickpea pasta with zucchini and corn tastes like summer on a plate.

It incorporates all the best flavors of the end of summer while keeping things healthy and bright.

Pair chopped zucchini and corn with grape tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños for a kick of spice.

Blend with hearty chickpea pasta, and serve alongside a zesty garden salad.

10. Banza Chickpea Spaghetti

Ideal for kids and grown-ups alike, this is one family dinner even picky eaters will ask for again and again.

It only requires a few pantry staples and comes together in a snap, so it’s terrific for busy work days.

Pair Banza spaghetti with your favorite marinara, and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Easy peasy!

11. Banza Ziti Bolognese With Italian Sausage

Meatless Monday never tasted so good!

Between the fresh herbs, veggies, and plant-based sausage, no one will suspect this dinner is 100% vegetarian.

Bolognese is similar to marinara, but it infuses more acidity from fresh tomatoes, making it feel lighter and brighter.

Mix in the plant-based sausage for a faux-meaty finish, and top with plenty of cheese and fresh herbs.Yum!

12. Banza Chickpea Skillet Lasagna

Skillet lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, and this one-pot meal comes together in a flash.

It’s a healthy, gluten-free dinner alternative with a delightful creamy kick from cottage cheese.

Not only does cottage cheese dial up the creaminess, but it also adds more protein without additional calories.Win-win!

13. Healthy Chickpea Pasta Salad

Chickpea pasta salad is the perfect dish to bring to your next potluck.

It’s brimming with bright summer flavors and keeps the carbs low, giving you more room for hot dogs and burgers!

Unlike other pasta salads, the noodles in this recipe take a back seat to the cucumbers, creamy avocado, green onions, grape tomatoes, and feta cheese.

It’s just as indulgent as traditional pasta salad but lower in carbs.Who can say no to that?

14. Banza Mac and Cheese

Mac & cheese is a lovely, nostalgic meal pretty much everyone adores. But it isn’t exactly healthy.

Traditional pasta is high in carbs and doesn’t provide any nutrition outside of all that cheese – which is loaded with fat and calories.

Luckily, chickpea pasta is an easy swap for your normal penne. And it’ll curb those carbs and amp up the protein and fiber.

It’s still creamy and delicious but offers a little more goodness. Isn’t that what we all want from dinner?

15. Chickpea Noodle Soup

Spoiler alert: there’s no chicken in this chicken noodle soup!

Instead of chicken, it earns a protein boost from chickpea Banza noodles and an entire can of chickpeas.

The noodles simmer in a hearty broth made from vegetable stock, carrots, celery, and robust spices.

As a result, it takes just like chicken noodle soup, but it’s 100% vegan.

16. Nourishing Minestrone Soup

This minestrone recipe is another example of a hearty vegetarian and gluten-free soup everyone will love.

Instead of using meat to fill out this dish, you’ll add protein-rich Banza pasta, beans, and tons of fresh veggies.

It’s the perfect bone-warming meal for those cold winter nights.

17. Creamy Red Pepper Chickpea Pasta

Creamy, meaty, and completely vegan? Yes, please!

This is a terrific option if you’re in the mood for a decedent pasta dish that’s healthy and won’t undo your diet.

You’ll use pureed cashews to add plenty of creamy goodness, fiber, and plant protein.

Pair that with slightly sweet and smoky roasted red peppers and chickpea pasta for the ultimate meat-free pasta dish.

18. Kale Pesto Penne With Roasted Tomatoes

Warning: this pasta dish is insanely addictive and oh-so-easy.

Kale pesto hummus offers a double punch of nutrition. It’s high in fiber and protein while keeping carbs low.

Lightly roasted grape tomatoes offer a little acidic and a slightly smoky note to an otherwise impossibly fresh and fragrant dish.

Mix pre-packed kale pesto hummus with rich Banza noodles, and combine with juicy roasted grape tomatoes.How easy is that?

19. Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean pasta salad has everything you could ever want – except for meat and extra carbs, of course!

It’s the perfect potluck dish that keeps the carbs low and the nutritional value high. And a lighter side dish means more room for dessert!

The real star of this show is the fried halloumi. It provides muted feta-like flavors that harmonize flawlessly with all the bright, earthy notes in this dish.

It’s got terrific texture, too, so don’t miss it out!

20. Lemon Butter Angel Hair Piccata With Capers and Parsley

Lemon and butter angel hair pasta is the perfect dish for a warm summer’s evening.

It’s light, refreshing, and tastes incredible with minimal effort.

Paired with salty capers and fragrant parsley, it’s incredibly filling without feeling overly heavy.

The lemon butter is rich and zesty with a bit of heat from the red pepper flakes.

The best part? It comes together in 15 minutes, making it a perfect option for a hectic weeknight.

20 Banza Pasta Recipes That’re Healthy-ish (2)

20 Best Banza Pasta Recipe Collection

Naturally gluten-free and with 40% fewer net carbs per serving, these quick and easy Banza pasta recipes are a healthy, hearty miracle!

Instructions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious Banza pasta recipe in 30 minutes or less!
20 Banza Pasta Recipes That’re Healthy-ish (3)

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20 Banza Pasta Recipes That’re Healthy-ish (2024)

FAQs

How healthy is banza pasta? ›

Chickpea pasta is a good source of numerous nutrients. It provides twice as much protein and significantly more fiber than either whole wheat or white pasta.

Does banza pasta spike blood sugar? ›

Given that it's made from chickpeas, Banza pasta is a low glycemic index food — this means it is less likely to cause blood sugar spikes.

Is chickpea pasta inflammatory? ›

This pasta contains prebiotics, which are foods that feed our good gut microbes, and provide health benefits including reducing inflammation.”

How to cook banza pasta perfectly? ›

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (about 8 cups).
  2. Add Banza, stir, and reduce to a simmer.
  3. Cook to desired firmness, stirring frequently, about 7-9 mins (expect foam).
  4. Strain and rinse with water.
  5. Enjoy with your favorite sauce!
  6. For baked ziti, boil the pasta for 6 minutes before baking.

What are the side effects of Banza chickpea pasta? ›

Chickpea pasta, Morrison acknowledges, is "high in fiber," which is great for many who need more of the nutrient in their diet, but could "cause bloating for some, especially people with IBS." Chickpea pasta, Hanes agrees, can "potentially cause bloating and indigestion for some people for a couple of reasons." She ...

What's the healthiest pasta you can eat? ›

Whole-wheat pasta is an easy-to-find nutritious noodle that will bump up the nutrition of your pasta dish. Made from whole grains, every cup of cooked pasta (140 grams) boasts 43 g of carbohydrate, 3 g of fiber and 8 g of protein per serving, per the USDA.

What is the best pasta for diabetics? ›

Whole wheat pasta is an excellent choice for diabetics as it contains whole grains. In addition to whole wheat pasta having a lower glycemic index than traditional pasta, whole wheat pasta also contains more fiber which can help to keep blood sugar levels in check.

Does pasta raise a1c? ›

All pasta raises blood sugar to a certain extent. However, whole grain types or those made from lentil, buckwheat, or pea flour contain more fiber than white pasta and may help to balance blood sugar better.

Which pasta is better for diabetics? ›

Best Choices in the Pasta Aisle

Whole wheat pasta tastes much like white pasta cooked al dente. It is slightly lower in carbs than regular pasta. More importantly, a 1/3-cup serving of cooked whole wheat pasta has three times the fiber, making it a better option for blood sugar control.

Can I eat chickpea pasta everyday? ›

Yes! Chickpeas themselves are plant-based powerhouses chock-full of both protein and fiber — up to 8 grams of each per ½ cup serving. Plus, they're a sustainable food source along with other pulses like beans, peas, and lentils.

What is the best pasta for weight loss? ›

Legume-Based Pasta (Lentil, Chickpea, Black Bean)

Legume-based pastas, such as those made from lentils, chickpeas, or black beans, are gaining popularity in weight loss diets. They boast a higher protein and fiber content than traditional pasta.

What is the white stuff in Banza pasta? ›

The loose white powder accompanying the noodles in the cup is a starch blend that prevents water from boiling over the rim of the cup in the microwave. IS BANZA MICROWAVABLE MAC AND CHEESE GLUTEN-FREE? Yes, our Microwavable Mac is gluten-free by FDA standards, and tested as such.

Do you have to rinse Banza? ›

Banza on X: "Hey @lucinda_herbert - rinsing is totally optional!

Why eat banza pasta? ›

It contains a lot more fiber than white-flour pasta, and it's much higher in protein, too. It's gluten-free, of course. I guess it's fair to say that I keep these things in mind when I choose to eat Banza over regular pasta sometimes.

Is banza pasta healthy for weight loss? ›

Chickpea pasta is both tasty and filling, which makes it great for weight management and weight loss. With regular pasta, our tendency is to wolf it down since it's not so filled with fiber or protein on its own, but chickpea pasta has more of both. I'd still urge you to go slow on the legume linguine, though.

Is banza pasta good for weight loss? ›

Compared to regular noodles:

Banza does have slightly lower calories, lower carbohydrate content, more of that carbohydrate content containing fiber, and higher protein content. This could be enough of a nutritional difference to have people reaching for Banza instead of traditional spaghetti… and I could see why!

Does Banza cause bloating? ›

When a person's digestive system struggles to digest the chickpeas, it can lead to intestinal discomfort and gas. In other words, chickpeas (like many other legumes such as lentils and beans) can lead to bloating.

Is chickpea pasta hard to digest? ›

Chickpea pasta, Morrison acknowledges, is "high in fiber," which is great for many who need more of the nutrient in their diet, but could "cause bloating for some, especially people with IBS." Chickpea pasta, Hanes agrees, can "potentially cause bloating and indigestion for some people for a couple of reasons." She ...

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