Fresh Tomato Basil Red Lentil Penne: A Healthy & Delicious Barilla Legume Pasta Recipe

This post is sponsored by Barilla, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Welcome to a culinary journey that promises to introduce you to a new family favorite: our vibrant Fresh Tomato Basil Red Lentil Penne. This incredible dish masterfully blends the fresh, bright flavors of a completely homemade tomato sauce, crafted from the finest ingredients, with the innovative nutrition of Barilla’s new legume-based pasta, specifically their Red Lentil Penne. It’s a meal that brilliantly proves healthy eating can be both easy to prepare and profoundly delicious. Get ready to transform your dinner table with a dish that everyone will love!

The Search for Wholesome Meals: Barilla’s Legume Pasta Revolution

In our modern lives, the quest for healthier meal options for ourselves and our families is constant. However, navigating the overwhelming array of “healthy” products on the market can be daunting. Many claim to be beneficial, but often disappoint with subpar taste, undesirable textures, or the inclusion of mysterious ingredients (what exactly is xanthan gum, anyway?). The struggle to find genuinely nutritious alternatives that don’t compromise on enjoyment is real.

Recognizing this challenge, Barilla, a brand celebrated for its authentic Italian pasta, has introduced a groundbreaking solution: their new line of legume-based pastas. These innovative pastas are crafted from just one simple, natural ingredient – either chickpeas or lentils. This minimalist approach ensures a clean label and a product that stands miles ahead of similar alternatives. Barilla’s legume pastas boast a superior taste and texture that truly sets them apart, offering a delightful eating experience without the common drawbacks of other healthier pasta options.

Unlock a World of Nutrition: The Benefits of Barilla Legume Pasta

Beyond its exceptional taste and satisfying al dente texture, Barilla’s new Legume Pasta line is a powerhouse of nutrition. Integrating these pastas into your diet offers a multitude of health benefits, making them an excellent choice for a balanced lifestyle:

• Plant-Based Protein: Each serving is packed with wholesome plant protein, vital for muscle repair, sustained energy, and keeping you feeling fuller for longer. It’s an ideal choice for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to boost their protein intake naturally.
• Fiber Rich: An excellent source of dietary fiber, these pastas support healthy digestion, help regulate blood sugar levels, and contribute to overall gut health. Fiber is key to a well-functioning body.
• Gluten Free: Naturally free from gluten, Barilla Legume Pastas are a safe and delicious option for individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or those choosing a gluten-free lifestyle. No more missing out on your favorite pasta dishes!
• Non-GMO Certified: Enjoy peace of mind knowing that these pastas are made with ingredients that are not genetically modified, adhering to high standards of natural food production.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Composed entirely of legumes, these pastas are 100% suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets, offering versatility and convenience for plant-forward meal planning.
• Grain Free: For those following grain-free dietary regimens, Barilla’s legume pastas provide a wonderful, satisfying alternative to traditional grain-based options, expanding your culinary possibilities.

Making the switch to Barilla Legume Pasta is not about compromising on your favorite meals; it’s about enhancing them with superior nutrition and taste. It’s a simple, yet significant step towards a healthier, more vibrant you.

My Personal Experience with Barilla Red Lentil Penne

As an avid home cook always on the lookout for wholesome and delicious ingredients, I was incredibly excited to try Barilla’s Red Lentil Legume Pasta. From the very first bite, I was genuinely impressed. The pasta cooks to a perfect al dente, maintaining a delightful chewiness that holds up beautifully even with a hearty sauce. The flavor is subtly earthy, complementing the rich tomato basil sauce without overpowering it, which is often a concern with alternative pastas. It truly delivers a satisfying pasta experience that I’ve found lacking in many other gluten-free or legume-based options.

For unparalleled convenience, you can easily purchase Barilla Red Lentil Penne in a convenient four-pack on Amazon. This is a fantastic option because, take my word for it, once you’ve tasted its quality, you’ll want to ensure you have a steady supply! It offers excellent value and the ease of direct delivery to your door, making healthy meal preparation simpler than ever. While you’re at it, I highly recommend exploring their Chickpea Pasta option as well. Both varieties offer distinct characteristics and are perfect for a wide range of recipes. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences once you’ve given them a try – please share in the comments below!

Ready to experience the difference? Shop Barilla Legume Pasta online:

• Shop Barilla Red Lentil Pasta on Amazon
• Shop Barilla Chickpea Pasta on Amazon

Recipe: Fresh Tomato Basil Red Lentil Penne

This recipe is a testament to how effortlessly simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create an unbelievably satisfying, deeply flavorful, and incredibly healthy meal. The star of the show, a vibrant homemade tomato basil sauce, bursts with garden-fresh flavors, perfectly complementing the robust, al dente texture of Barilla Red Lentil Penne. Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends with this wholesome and nutritious dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 box Barilla Red Lentil Penne (typically 8.8 oz / 250g)
• 2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), ensuring they are ripe and flavorful for the best sauce
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, finely diced and sautéed until beautifully translucent
• 2 cloves garlic, roasted (see instructions below for enhanced flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend (a harmonious mix of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary works wonderfully)
• 10 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus extra for an elegant garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, generously to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast the Garlic: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the unpeeled garlic cloves onto a small piece of tin foil. A tiny drizzle of olive oil before wrapping them tightly is optional but recommended. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cloves are incredibly soft, golden, and emit a sweet, fragrant aroma. Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel the roasted garlic. This step is crucial for adding a deep, mellow sweetness to your sauce.
2. Cook the Pasta: While the garlic roasts, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a vigorous rolling boil. Add the Barilla Red Lentil Penne and cook for precisely 9 minutes, or follow the package directions for an al dente finish. Before draining, remember to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water – it’s your secret weapon for a perfect sauce consistency. Drain the remaining pasta thoroughly.
3. Prepare the Homemade Sauce: In the bowl of a blender or food processor, combine the fresh cherry tomatoes, the rich extra virgin olive oil, the tender sautéed onion, the wonderfully soft roasted garlic cloves, the aromatic Italian seasoning, and the vibrant fresh basil. Add a generous pinch of salt and pepper to start. Blend until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed; you might desire a little more salt, pepper, or a touch more Italian seasoning to perfectly suit your palate.
4. Combine and Heat: Gently pour your freshly made tomato basil sauce into a large saucepan or a deep skillet set over medium heat. Add the cooked Barilla Red Lentil Penne to the sauce. Stir everything together lovingly, ensuring every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated with the delicious sauce. If the sauce appears too thick for your liking, gradually add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the pasta and sauce are beautifully heated through.
5. Serve: Serve your exquisite Fresh Tomato Basil Red Lentil Penne hot, ideally garnished with a few extra fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and aroma. For those who enjoy dairy, a light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a wonderful addition (omit for a strictly vegan dish). Enjoy this incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and nutritious meal!

Tips for the Perfect Dish:

• Tomato Quality Matters: The foundation of a great sauce lies in the quality of your tomatoes. Opt for truly ripe and flavorful cherry or grape tomatoes; they will make an immense difference in the sauce’s sweetness and depth.
• Fresh Basil is Key: For that bright, aromatic, and authentic Italian flavor, fresh basil is non-negotiable. Avoid substituting with dried basil in this particular recipe.
• The Magic of Pasta Water: Don’t underestimate the reserved pasta water! Its starchiness helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a silky texture and ensuring it clings perfectly to the pasta.
• Add a Little Heat: If you enjoy a slight kick, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce when you’re blending it. It adds a wonderful subtle warmth.
• Make it Ahead: The sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making weeknight dinners even quicker. Simply reheat gently before adding the freshly cooked pasta.

Love this healthy and delicious recipe? Pin it to Pinterest to save for later and share with friends!

Conclusion: A Smart & Flavorful Choice for Modern Meals

Embracing healthier eating habits doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavor, satisfaction, or convenience. With Barilla’s innovative Legume Pasta line, and particularly their delicious Red Lentil Penne, you can effortlessly create wholesome, incredibly satisfying meals like this Fresh Tomato Basil dish that your entire family will adore. Packed with essential plant-based protein, abundant fiber, and naturally gluten-free, it’s a brilliant choice for virtually any dietary need or preference.

So go ahead, try this delightful recipe, experiment with the diverse range of Barilla’s legume pastas, and transform your everyday meals into extraordinary, health-conscious culinary experiences. We genuinely hope you enjoy making and savoring this Fresh Tomato Basil Red Lentil Penne. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences, any creative variations, or questions you might have in the comments below – we love hearing from you!