PASTA WITH LENTILS

Name: Pasta with Lentils
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cup dried brown or green lentils; 1 ¼ cup short pasta shapes (such as ditalini or elbows); 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 8 cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 1 Tbsp tomato paste; ¼ tsp ground cumin; Salt and black pepper to taste

Posted on December 27, 2025

Main Dishes

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This Pasta with Lentils is a delightful dish that brings together the earthy flavors of lentils and the comforting texture of pasta. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep option for the week, this simple yet nourishing recipe showcases how pantry staples can create something truly satisfying. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with protein, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nourishing and Hearty: Packed with lentils and pasta, this dish is not only filling but also rich in nutrients.
Quick and Easy: With just one pot needed, cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with whatever short pasta shapes or vegetables you have on hand.
Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is completely plant-based while still being delicious and satisfying.
Flavorful Experience: The combination of garlic, cumin, and tomatoes creates a scrumptious aroma that fills your kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

For this recipe, having the right tools can help streamline your cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Knife
Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

Large pot: Ideal for cooking everything in one go, saving time and effort.
Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.
Measuring cups: Ensures precision in ingredient amounts for consistent results.

Ingredients

This Italian pasta with lentils is one of the best nourishing meals you can cook using a few cupboard essentials such as dried lentils and pasta. It’s an easy yet delicious 1-pot recipe, healthy, vegan and amazingly GOOD. Note: choose US customary or metric/tap on servings to scale quantities!

For the Pasta Dish

1 ¼ cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 ¼ cup short pasta shapes (ditalini, elbows, orecchiette, mezzi rigatoni…)
5 cups vegetable or chicken broth, plus more if needed
8 cherry tomatoes, cut into halves
1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small-sized onion, diced
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1/4 tsp ground cumin
fine salt, to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste

How to Make PASTA WITH LENTILS

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir for about a minute.

Step 3: Incorporate Lentils and Spices

Add rinsed lentils, ground cumin, tomato paste, broth, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir well.

Step 4: Simmer the Lentils

Increase heat to bring everything to a simmer. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

After simmering, taste your dish and adjust seasoning with salt or additional spices as desired.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Stir in short pasta shapes into the pot. Cook over medium heat until the pasta reaches al dente consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Thicken if Necessary

If your stew appears too thick, gradually add water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. Taste again for seasoning adjustments.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle into bowls and serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, grated parmesan cheese (if not keeping it vegan), chili flakes, and chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve PASTA WITH LENTILS

Serving Pasta with Lentils can elevate your meal experience. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.

Fresh Salad

A crisp green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.

Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up lentils and adds a delightful crunch to your meal.

Grated Cheese

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino on top for a cheesy finish that enhances the dish’s savory notes.

Chili Flakes

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding chili flakes can give your Pasta with Lentils an exciting kick.

Chopped Herbs

Fresh parsley or basil sprinkled on top not only adds color but also a burst of freshness to the dish.

Lemon Wedge

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty lentils.

How to Perfect PASTA WITH LENTILS

Perfecting your Pasta with Lentils can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips to enhance your cooking experience.

Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and high-quality broth can significantly improve the overall flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as you cook. Personalizing seasoning makes all the difference.
Cook Pasta Separately: For better texture, consider cooking pasta separately and mixing it in just before serving.
Experiment with Lentils: While brown or green lentils work well, trying other varieties like red lentils can add unique flavors and textures.
Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Store Leftovers Wisely: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they taste even better the next day!

Best Side Dishes for PASTA WITH LENTILS

Pairing side dishes with Pasta with Lentils can create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection add color and nutrition to your plate.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious crunch that complements the pasta nicely.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with herbs and lemon makes for a filling addition.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer sweetness that contrasts well with savory lentils.
Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters are deliciously satisfying and pair well with this hearty pasta dish.
Crispy Kale Chips: Lightly seasoned kale chips provide an ultra-crunchy snack alongside your meal.
Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad mixed with herbs and veggies brings a delightful texture contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking PASTA WITH LENTILS can be rewarding, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Not rinsing lentils: Rinsing lentils is crucial to remove any dust or debris. This step helps enhance their flavor and ensures a clean dish.
Overcooking pasta: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture; aim for al dente.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjusting salt and pepper enhances flavors, so don’t skip this step.
Using cold broth: Adding cold broth will lower the temperature of your ingredients, making them cook unevenly. Always use warm broth to maintain consistent heat.
Neglecting garnishes: Garnishing with herbs or spices adds freshness and depth. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chili flakes or parsley before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator.

Freezing PASTA WITH LENTILS

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Leave some space at the top of the container as the dish may expand when frozen.

Reheating PASTA WITH LENTILS

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make PASTA WITH LENTILS vegan?

You can easily make this dish vegan by ensuring that all ingredients are plant-based. Use vegetable broth and skip cheese or use a vegan substitute.

Can I use different types of lentils in PASTA WITH LENTILS?

Yes! While brown and green lentils work best, you can experiment with red lentils. Just note that cooking times may vary.

What type of pasta is best for PASTA WITH LENTILS?

Short pasta shapes like ditalini, elbows, or orecchiette work well as they hold onto the lentils and sauce beautifully.

Can I add vegetables to PASTA WITH LENTILS?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate veggies like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

How long does it take to cook PASTA WITH LENTILS?

The total cooking time is approximately 35 minutes—20-25 minutes for the lentils and around 10 minutes for the pasta.

Conclusion

This PASTA WITH LENTILS recipe is not only nourishing but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to prepare a wholesome meal!