Chili Mac (Protein-packed, whole-food plant-based)

Name: Chili Mac (Protein-packed, whole-food plant-based)
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 8-oz box of elbow macaroni (I prefer Banza or other legume pasta); 1 onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced ((or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)); 3 TBSP flour (any kind will work, I used whole wheat); 1 cup full-fat coconut milk from a can (shake can first, then measure 1 cup); 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes (blend up if you don't like tomato chunks; 1 can beans (any kind, I used kidney); 2 cups cooked lentils; 1/2 cup nutritional yeast; 1.5 TBSP chili powder; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 TBSP cumin; 3 TBSP ketchup or hot sauce (make sure it has vinegar in it, which adds to cheesy flavor); 3/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 3 cups fresh spinach (optional)