Yes, chickpea pasta contains protein, often 2 times more than traditional pasta. Most brands offer 11–13g per serving, while other similar protein pastas offer 24g. It’s a legit way to add protein to your diet, but texture, taste, and completeness of protein vary by brand.

Chickpea Pasta vs. Other Pasta Brands: The Showdown

Not all pasta is created equal, especially when protein is the priority. Let’s break down how three popular brands stack up on taste, texture, and nutrition so you can decide which one truly belongs in your pantry.

Banza Chickpea Pasta

Banza is one of the most recognized names in the protein pasta space, and for good reason. It’s made entirely from chickpeas, giving it a higher protein content than traditional pasta (around 11g per 2oz serving), along with plenty of fiber. 

But because Banza relies heavily on chickpeas, its structure can be fragile. 

Many people find it breaks apart easily if overcooked or reheated. The texture tends to be soft or even “gummy,” and the flavor can lean earthy, often described as “a little too legume-forward.”

Barilla Classic Pasta

Barilla’s traditional wheat pasta is a pantry staple for many. It has that familiar taste and al dente bite we’ve all grown up loving. At around 7g of protein per serving, it’s decent, but not designed with protein or modern health goals in mind.

And while the taste is familiar, it doesn’t bring much else to the table nutritionally. 

It’s lower in fiber, low in protein, and doesn’t offer the satiety or balanced macros today’s eaters are looking for, especially if they’re managing blood sugar, watching calories, or aiming to eat more plant-based.

Pastabilities Protein Pasta

Unlike chickpea-only pastas that tend to trade flavor and texture for protein stats, Pastabilities Protein Pasta is all about balance. We blend unique non-GMO high fiber wheat flours with soy, pea, wheat and chickpea proteins to deliver a chewy, satisfying pasta that packs a serious nutritional punch, 24g of protein per serving, to be exact.

That’s more than double Banza’s number, with none of the mush. 

This pasta holds its shape in boiling water, bakes beautifully in casseroles, and doesn’t turn to mush when meal-prepped. And because wheat is still in the recipe, the flavor is familiar with no “beany” aftertaste here.

Is the Protein “Complete”? Here’s What Most Brands Don’t Tell You

Photo Source -> Institute of Culinary Education

Here’s a fact that doesn’t always make it onto the front of the box: not all protein is created equal.

While chickpeas are certainly rich in plant-based protein, they’re missing one key thing, a complete amino acid profile. That means chickpeas alone don’t provide all nine essential amino acids your body needs to build and repair muscle, regulate hormones, and support metabolism.

This matters if you’re relying on chickpea pasta as a primary source of protein, especially in vegetarian or plant-forward diets. You might be getting a decent amount of grams per serving, but not the full spectrum your body requires for optimal function.

That’s why we approached our Pastabilities Protein Pasta recipe differently.

We combine four distinct proteins, which help round out the amino acid profile to create a more complete, digestible protein. We also kept non-GMO wheats in the mix, not just for structure and flavor, but because it adds additional protein and nutrients to the blend.

The result is a pasta that doesn’t just say it’s high in protein, it actually delivers on what that protein should be doing in your body.

Who Should Eat Chickpea Pasta, and How Often?

Chickpea pasta, or more generally protein pasta,  isn’t just a trend, it’s a powerhouse staple that fits effortlessly into a variety of modern lifestyles. Here’s who benefits most from making the switch:

• Vegetarians and plant-forward eaters: Chickpea pasta is a great source of plant protein. And when it’s blended with soy, wheat and pea (like in Pastabilities), it forms a more complete protein, ideal for those who avoid animal products.

• Athletes and active adults: Looking for the perfect post-workout meal? Chickpea pasta delivers a dynamic duo: complex carbs for energy and protein for muscle recovery, all in one satisfying bowl.

• GLP-1 users (like those on Ozempic): With smaller appetites and a focus on nutrient density, GLP-1 users need food that works harder per bite. Our high-protein, high-fiber pasta supports blood sugar balance, portion control, and lasting fullness.

• Busy families: You want a meal that’s quick, comforting, and nutritious, without complaints from the little ones. Our kid-approved pasta shapes turn dinner into a fun, no-fuss experience.

Does Chickpea Pasta Deliver?

The short answer? Yes, but with caveats.

There’s no denying that chickpea pasta can be a smart, health-conscious upgrade from traditional pasta. It’s packed with plant-based protein, rich in fiber, and supports better blood sugar control. But if you’ve tried a few brands and walked away disappointed, you’re not alone, and you’re not wrong.

Here’s what most people quickly realize:

• Chickpea-only pastas can fall short on taste and texture, think mushy, gritty, or “too beany.”

• Many offer incomplete protein, missing key amino acids your body needs.

• They may cause bloating or discomfort, especially when eaten in large portions or without a dietary transition.

• And in some cases, the numbers on the box don’t reflect real-life servings, protein stats are often quoted for dry pasta, not what ends up in your bowl.

So while the idea of chickpea pasta is solid, the execution can be hit or miss.

That’s why we created Pastabilities Protein Pasta, a pasta that finally lives up to its promise. It holds its shape, fills you up, and fuels your body with 24g of complete, balanced protein in every serving.

If you’re tired of pasta that falls apart, causes bloat, or doesn’t satisfy, there’s a better option. And it tastes like the pasta you actually want to eat.

Try the Pasta That Checks All the Boxes

If you’ve been searching for a pasta that delivers on all fronts, nutrition, taste, texture, and satisfaction, your search ends here.

Pastabilities Protein Pasta

• 24g of protein per serving

• Balanced blend of chickpea, wheat, soy, and pea proteins

• Chewy, Al dente texture that feels like the real deal

• Zero mush, no earthy aftertaste, and none of the digestive drama

This isn’t pasta pretending to be something it’s not. It’s pasta reimagined for the way we eat today, packed with the nutrition you want, crafted with the love you expect, and full of the comfort you crave.

Because pasta shouldn’t just fit your diet. It should make you feel good, fill you up, and bring joy to the table.

🍝 See Our Protein Pasta Lineup

Real pasta. Real good. Made for your health and happiness.