Barilla Protein+ Elbows Pasta – Hidden Veggie-Style Protein for Kids' Lunchboxes, Mac and Cheese
Barilla Protein+ Elbows Pasta – Hidden Veggie-Style Protein for Kids' Lunchboxes, Mac and Cheese
Couldn't load pickup availability
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
Is this pasta safe for my kids to eat every week?
Yes. It is non-GMO Project Verified, kosher certified, and made in the USA, with a simple legume-flour base of lentil, pea, and chickpea, which many parents consider appropriate as a regular family staple.
Will my picky eater actually notice or accept this in mac and cheese?
Most parents report success because the elbow shape and texture mirror traditional macaroni and the flavor is mild, so a standard cheese sauce covers any difference. It is one of the easier high-protein swaps to introduce to a picky eater.
How much protein am I really sneaking into a kids' serving?
Each 3.5 oz cooked serving delivers 17g of plant-based protein from lentil, pea, and chickpea flours, so a standard kids' portion of mac and cheese or pasta salad can meaningfully add to their daily protein without any change in routine.
Can I pack this in a school lunchbox without it going mushy?
Yes. The noodles hold their shape well and do not get mushy at the package cook time, so a cold pasta salad with vegetables or a thermos of mac and cheese both travel well to school when dressed lightly or kept warm.
Is this a smart swap for everyday family dinners?
It works well as a weekly staple. The 5-minute cook time fits busy weeknights, the elbow shape suits kid favorites like mac and cheese, and the higher protein and fiber help stretch a meal into something more filling for the whole family.
Is this a good pasta to introduce to a toddler just starting solids or family meals?
Many parents use small elbow shapes as a toddler finger food, and this version cooks in about 5 minutes to a soft but not mushy texture. As with any new food, introduce one at a time and check with your pediatrician for individual needs.
Can I bake it in a family casserole the same way I would with regular elbows?
Yes. It works in baked pasta casseroles for meal prepping lunches, and in no-boil baking recipes you can reduce the total bake time by roughly 5 minutes versus what a traditional 20-minute recipe would call for, since the noodles soften faster.
How fast can I get a hot dinner on the table on a school night?
The pasta cooks in about 5 minutes, so a quick weeknight dinner tossed with marinara or pesto, or a fast mac and cheese, can realistically be plated in under 15 minutes, which is a common ask from parents managing after-school schedules.
Will my kids notice the legume flavor in plain buttered noodles?
In heavily sauced dishes like mac and cheese or meat sauce, most kids do not notice. In plain buttered noodles, sensitive eaters may pick up a slight legume note, which is why many parents use it as a 1-for-1 swap only in flavored recipes at first.
Is the box resealable enough to keep it fresh for repeat use?
The 14.5 oz box contains seven 2 oz servings, so a single box typically gets used across a few family meals within a week or two, and the 4-pack option is designed for households that go through pasta faster or want to stock the pantry.
Is this safer than a typical kids' pasta loaded with hidden additives?
It has a short, recognizable ingredient panel built around lentil, pea, and chickpea flours, and carries non-GMO Project Verified, kosher, and USA-made credentials, which many parents prefer over enriched refined-flour pasta for regular kid meals.
How does this compare to whole wheat pasta for a kids' meal?
It typically delivers more protein (17g vs. around 7g) and more fiber than whole wheat elbows, while the texture stays close to a traditional noodle, which often makes it an easier sell to kids than a denser whole wheat option.
How does this compare to a chickpea-only pasta my friend recommends?
Chickpea-only noodles can have a strong bean flavor that some kids reject. The lentil, pea, and chickpea blend in this pasta is milder, which is why many parents choose it specifically for dishes where chickpea flavor would be too noticeable.
I'm worried my kid will reject anything labeled 'protein' or 'high fiber.'
That is a common hesitation. The easiest test is to use it 1-for-1 in a familiar recipe like mac and cheese or a buttered noodle dish with parmesan, where the sauce does the heavy lifting and most kids eat it without flagging the swap.
Is this a smart way to add protein to a vegetarian or flexitarian kid?
Yes. For households reducing meat, it raises the protein and fiber of a meatless mac and cheese, pasta salad, or baked casserole so that the meal still holds a child over between activities without relying on cheese or meat for the protein hit.
My child has a sensitive stomach. Will the fiber be too much?
Any high-fiber legume pasta can cause adjustment when introduced suddenly. Many parents start with a smaller portion mixed into a familiar dish and scale up over a week, which is a gentler ramp than a full bowl as a first serving.
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.
