High Protein Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Cheese

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this High Protein Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Cheese, a wholesome and flavorful twist on a classic Italian favorite. Packed with protein-rich penne, this recipe is perfect for those looking to balance indulgence with nutrition. The dish features a vibrant, homemade tomato sauce made with sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of dried basil, oregano, and just a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and aromatic basil leaves, this pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules. Whether you're fueling a workout or craving a comforting meal, this high-protein pasta recipe is a delicious way to nourish your body without sacrificing taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams high protein penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 400 grams crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese
• 5 leaves fresh basil leaves

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the high protein penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Add the onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.

Step 6

Add the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it slightly thickens.

Step 7

Once thickened to your liking, add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the tomato sauce.

Step 8

Grate the Parmesan cheese and add it to the pasta, reserving a small amount for garnish.

Step 9

Toss the pasta again to ensure the Parmesan is evenly incorporated.

Step 10

Divide the pasta into serving bowls. Top each serving with the reserved grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(945.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1692.0

Total Fat 49.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 44.5mg	0%
Sodium 1557.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 220.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.4g	0%
Total Sugars 24.9g
Protein 97.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 649.2mg	0%
Iron 13.0mg	0%
Potassium 1771.9mg	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: 26.1%

Protein: 22.7%

Carbs: 51.2%