Barilla Protein Plus Angel Hair Pasta - Plant Protein Boost

In this review of Barilla Protein Plus Angel Hair Pasta the bottom line is simple: it is for families and anyone who wants a familiar pasta experience with added plant protein. The reviewer found the angel hair shape cooks quickly and holds sauces well, while delivering a substantive protein boost from lentils, peas and chickpeas without tasting noticeably different from traditional pasta. It is a practical pantry staple for cooks who want higher protein and fiber in everyday meals without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Key Features

• Plant-based protein blend: Made with lentil flour, pea protein and chickpea flour to deliver 17g of protein per 3.5 oz serving for a substantial protein increase over regular pasta.
• Angel hair shape: Thin strands cook fast and pair smoothly with pesto, marinara or light oil-and-garlic sauces for quick weeknight meals.
• Simple ingredients and non-GMO: Formulated with semolina and durum wheat plus plant proteins and produced with Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients for ingredient-conscious shoppers.
• Kosher certified and vegan: Suitable for kosher and vegan diets, making it widely usable in different household meal plans.
• Quick cooking: Cooks in about four to nine minutes depending on desired tenderness, so it works well when time is limited.

Who It's For

The product is aimed at families, active adults and anyone wanting to raise protein intake at meals without switching to unfamiliar textures; the reviewer found it particularly useful for those combining pasta with vegetable sauces, cheese sauces or lean proteins. People who value Non-GMO and kosher certification and prefer plant-based sources of protein will appreciate this pasta.

Those who need a strictly gluten-free option should look elsewhere since this pasta contains semolina and durum wheat. Also, buyers seeking a completely neutral taste identical to plain wheat pasta may notice a mild difference in flavor and texture, though most customers reported it comparable to regular pasta.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Higher protein content from lentils, peas and chickpeas makes meals more satisfying and nutritious.
• Texture and taste are close to regular pasta, so it integrates easily into familiar recipes.
• Quick cooking time and versatile pairing with sauces like pesto or marinara.
• Non-GMO and kosher certified, appealing to ingredient-conscious shoppers.

Cons

• Contains wheat, so it is not suitable for those needing gluten-free pasta.
• Some may notice a subtle difference in flavor compared with traditional plain semolina pasta.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Barilla Protein Plus Angel Hair is a convenient, good-value way to add plant-based protein and fiber to everyday pasta dishes while keeping a familiar taste and texture. It is recommended for families and active eaters who want extra protein without a complicated ingredient list, but not for those requiring gluten-free pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this angel hair pasta take to cook?
Cook time ranges from about 4 minutes for al dente up to 9 minutes for a softer texture as the box recommends.

Is this pasta gluten-free?
No, it contains semolina and durum wheat, so it is not suitable for gluten-free diets.

Does it taste like regular pasta?
Most customers report the taste and texture are comparable to regular pasta with only a mild difference, while gaining more protein and fiber.