Barilla Protein+ Stars Pasta – Kid-Friendly High-Protein Pasta for Picky Eaters at Family Dinner
Barilla Protein+ Stars Pasta – Kid-Friendly High-Protein Pasta for Picky Eaters at Family Dinner
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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
Is the star shape actually fun enough to get picky eaters to try it?
Yes. The novelty star shape tends to spark curiosity in toddlers and young children, and most parents report that picky eaters are more willing to try a fun shape, especially with a favorite sauce.
Is it safe and appropriate for toddlers and preschool-age kids?
Yes. It is made with simple, recognizable ingredients like semolina, lentils, chickpeas, and peas, with no artificial additives, making it a sensible choice for young children when served as part of a balanced meal.
Can I pack Barilla Protein+ Stars cold in a lunchbox without it getting mushy?
Yes. When cooked al dente for 8 minutes and tossed with a small amount of olive oil, it holds its shape and texture well in an insulated lunchbox for several hours.
Does the star shape hold up during cooking, or does it fall apart?
It holds its shape when cooked for the recommended 8–10 minutes in salted boiling water, so the stars stay defined and visually appealing on the plate.
Will my child get meaningful protein from a kid-sized portion?
Yes. Even a smaller child-sized portion delivers a strong amount of the 17g of plant-based protein per 3.5 oz serving, which adds up quickly when combined with cheese, sauce, or vegetables.
Is this a good pasta for back-to-school lunch prep?
Yes. The star shape stays fun at room temperature, the protein and fiber help keep kids full through the afternoon, and it reheats well for thermos lunches.
Can I sneak extra nutrition into a familiar pasta dish my child already loves?
Yes. Because it looks and cooks like traditional pasta, you can use it in any mac and cheese, buttered noodles, or marinara recipe to add 17g of plant protein per serving without changing the dish.
Is it safe for kids with common food sensitivities to wheat or legumes?
It contains both wheat (semolina and durum wheat) and legumes (lentils, chickpeas, peas), so it is not suitable for children with celiac disease, wheat allergy, or legume allergy.
How is this different from regular Barilla stars my kids already eat?
Regular Barilla stars are made from 100% semolina, while Barilla Protein+ Stars are blended with lentil, chickpea, and pea flours to deliver 17g of plant protein and extra fiber per serving.
Is Barilla Protein+ Stars better than a kids' vegetable pasta for nutrition?
It typically delivers significantly more protein and fiber than a standard veggie-enhanced pasta, while still using recognizable whole-food ingredients, making it a stronger nutritional upgrade.
Is the box clearly labeled Non-GMO and kosher so I can check at a glance?
Yes. The packaging carries the Non-GMO Project Verified seal and kosher certification, so parents can verify certifications quickly in the store or online listing.
What if my child refuses it because of color or texture differences from regular pasta?
The color is only slightly different from standard semolina pasta, and the texture cooks to a familiar al dente bite. Serving it with a favorite sauce usually resolves any hesitation.
Is the protein content really appropriate for a growing child, or is it too much?
17g of plant protein per 3.5 oz serving is appropriate and well within healthy ranges for children when served as part of a varied diet that includes dairy, fruits, vegetables, and other proteins.
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.
