Loading...
A hearty, high-protein vegan meal featuring gluten-free lentil pasta tossed in a simple, no-sugar-added marinara sauce and packed with fresh spinach. Ready in under 35 minutes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Cook the lentil pasta
Build the aromatic base
Simmer the sauce and wilt the spinach
A vibrant and hearty pasta dish packed with fresh, colorful vegetables and tossed in a simple tomato-herb sauce. Made with whole wheat pasta for extra fiber, it's a wholesome and satisfying side that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Tender, juicy beef meatballs simmered in a rich, homemade marinara sauce. This Italian-American classic is perfect over pasta or in a sub for a hearty, comforting meal ready in under an hour.
Hearty lentil-based meatballs simmered in a rich, homemade marinara sauce from fresh tomatoes. A satisfying, high-fiber vegetarian take on an Italian-American favorite, perfect over pasta.
Tender, juicy shrimp meatballs are pan-seared to perfection and then gently simmered in a rustic, flavorful tomato gravy. This Italian-American classic is packed with lean protein and comes together in under an hour, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
A hearty, high-protein vegan meal featuring gluten-free lentil pasta tossed in a simple, no-sugar-added marinara sauce and packed with fresh spinach. Ready in under 35 minutes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
This italian_american recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 368.44 calories per serving with 20.9g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Combine and serve
Stir in 1 can of rinsed chickpeas or white beans along with the spinach for an extra protein boost and added texture.
Omit the red pepper flakes and blend the sauce until smooth before adding the spinach if your kids are sensitive to texture.
Use a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch to save about 10-15 minutes of simmering time.
Boost the vegetable content by adding 1 cup of diced zucchini or mushrooms along with the onion for more nutrients and fiber.
Lentil pasta is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
With fiber from both the lentil pasta and spinach, this dish supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Spinach and lentils are both great sources of iron, a mineral crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood and preventing fatigue.
Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while spinach is rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, supporting immune function and bone health.
Yes, it's a very healthy meal. Lentil pasta is high in protein and fiber, and gluten-free. The sauce is packed with vitamins from tomatoes and spinach, and the recipe uses minimal oil and no added sugar.
A serving of this Lentil Pasta has approximately 450-500 calories, making it a substantial and balanced meal. Calories come from the pasta, olive oil, and vegetables.
Absolutely! While lentil pasta is great for protein, you can use chickpea pasta, whole wheat pasta, or any regular pasta you prefer. Adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
The key is to cook it until just al dente. Start checking for doneness 1-2 minutes before the package instructions recommend. It will continue to cook slightly when you toss it with the hot sauce.
Yes, you can. For best results, store the sauce and pasta separately and combine them when reheating. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soft.
