High Protein Classic Red Sauce Pasta
Elevate your pasta night with this nutritious and satisfying High Protein Classic Red Sauce Pasta, a hearty twist on a timeless favorite. This recipe pairs tender whole wheat pasta with a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce, boosted with protein-packed lentils and chickpeas for a plant-based powerhouse meal. Fresh garlic, onion, and bell pepper provide aromatic depth, while a seasoning blend of Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper adds a vibrant, zesty kick. Nutritional yeast and fresh basil deliver additional layers of flavor while baby spinach lends a touch of freshness and vital nutrients. Ready in just 45 minutes, this vegan-friendly dish is perfect for meal prep or a wholesome dinner that’ll leave you fueled and satisfied. Serve it up for a healthy, protein-rich take on classic comfort food!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams whole wheat pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 400 grams tomato puree
- 200 grams cooked lentils
- 200 grams cooked chickpeas
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 100 grams baby spinach
Instructions
Begin by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Add the whole wheat pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
Stir in the tomato puree, lentils, and chickpeas. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Season the sauce with dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Add the baby spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce.
Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat evenly and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Sprinkle nutritional yeast and fresh basil over the pasta for added flavor and protein.
Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1515 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.2 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.9 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2586 mg | 112% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 243.2 g | 88% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 63.5 g | 227% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.5 g | ||
| Protein | 72.5 g | 145% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 569 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 27.8 mg | 154% | |
| Potassium | 4408 mg | 94% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
