High Protein Classic Red Sauce Pasta

Elevate your pasta night with this High Protein Classic Red Sauce Pasta, a hearty and nutritious twist on the beloved comfort food. Made with whole wheat pasta and packed with plant-based powerhouses like lentils, chickpeas, and fresh spinach, this recipe combines rich tomato flavor with wholesome ingredients to create a satisfying meal. A medley of garlic, sautéed onions, and bell peppers bring depth to the vibrant red sauce, while dried Italian herbs and a touch of crushed red pepper add warmth and complexity. Topped with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, protein-packed flourish and garnished with fresh basil, this dish is as healthy as it is flavorful. Ready in just 45 minutes and perfect for meal prep or a family dinner, this protein-loaded pasta ensures you never have to choose between taste and nutrition.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Begin by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

Step 2

Add the whole wheat pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 5

Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato puree, lentils, and chickpeas. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 7

Season the sauce with dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 8

Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 9

Add the baby spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 10

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce.

Step 11

Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat evenly and heat through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 12

Sprinkle nutritional yeast and fresh basil over the pasta for added flavor and protein.

Step 13

Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1573.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1514.8

Total Fat 37.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2586.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 243.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 63.5g	0%
Total Sugars 46.5g
Protein 72.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 569.4mg	0%
Iron 27.8mg	0%
Potassium 4407.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.0%

Protein: 18.2%

Carbs: 60.9%