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20-Minute High Protein Lentil Pasta with Marinara — homemade high protein lentil pasta recipe

20-Minute High Protein Lentil Pasta with Marinara

A quick and nutrient-dense pasta dish featuring protein-rich red lentil penne tossed in a savory garlic marinara sauce.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz red lentil penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the red lentil penne in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions.
  2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes.
  5. Add the drained lentil pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
  6. Stir in the nutritional yeast until incorporated, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Ensure you reserve the pasta water, as it helps the sauce emulsify and cling to the lentil pasta.