PASTA WITH LENTILS

Posted on November 12, 2025

This Pasta with Lentils is a delightful dish that brings together the wholesome goodness of lentils and the comforting texture of pasta. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. This recipe stands out due to its simplicity and the nourishing ingredients that come together in just one pot, making it both easy to prepare and clean up after. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying nutrition, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein and fiber from lentils, this meal is as healthy as it is delicious.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite short pasta shapes and seasonal vegetables for endless variations.
One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup with this simple one-pot recipe designed for convenience.
Vegan-Friendly: Naturally plant-based, this dish caters to vegan diets and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To make the most of your cooking experience, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Preparation is key to achieving that perfect bowl of pasta with lentils.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Cutting board
Knife

Why These Tools Matter

Large pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and prevents spills while simmering.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring creamy consistency.
Measuring cups: Accurate measurements guarantee the best flavor balance in your dish.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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

Stir in minced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, and bay leaves. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Lentils and Spices

Add rinsed lentils, ground cumin, tomato paste, broth, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer the Mixture

Increase heat until the mixture simmers. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft.

Step 5: Adjust Seasonings

Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt or additional pepper according to your preference.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Add short pasta shapes directly into the pot. Cook gently over medium heat until al dente, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Final Consistency Check

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

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese if desired. Garnish with chili flakes and chopped parsley for an extra flavor boost! Enjoy your delicious meal!

How to Serve PASTA WITH LENTILS

Serving Pasta with Lentils is an opportunity to get creative and elevate this nourishing dish. Here are some delightful ways to enhance your meal experience.

Add Fresh Herbs

Basil – Sprinkle fresh basil over the top for a fragrant touch.
Parsley – Chopped parsley adds freshness and a splash of color.

Include Cheese Options

Parmesan – Grated Parmesan cheese provides a savory finish if you’re not keeping it vegan.
Nutritional Yeast – For a vegan alternative, sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Spice It Up

Red Chili Flakes – Add a kick of heat with red chili flakes for those who enjoy spicy food.
Cracked Black Pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall taste.

Serve with Bread

Crusty Baguette – A slice of warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly for dipping.
Garlic Bread – For extra flavor, serve garlic bread alongside for a comforting meal.

How to Perfect PASTA WITH LENTILS

Perfecting your Pasta with Lentils can elevate this simple dish into something extraordinary. Here are some tips to ensure success.

Use Quality Broth – The broth you choose significantly impacts flavor; opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought options.
Cook Pasta Separately – For better texture, consider cooking the pasta separately and stirring it in just before serving.
Adjust Seasoning – Always taste before serving; adjusting salt and pepper can make all the difference.
Experiment with Lentils – Different types of lentils can create varied textures; try red lentils for a creamier result or green for firmer bites.
Don’t Overcook Lentils – Keep an eye on cooking time; overcooked lentils can turn mushy, affecting the dish’s overall consistency.

Best Side Dishes for PASTA WITH LENTILS

Complementing your Pasta with Lentils with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Mixed Green Salad – A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the hearty pasta dish.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and flavor; think zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots tossed in olive oil and herbs.
Grilled Chicken Skewers – Lightly seasoned grilled chicken skewers provide protein and pair beautifully with lentils.
Stuffed Bell Peppers – These colorful peppers stuffed with rice and veggies offer an appealing presentation and added nutrition.
Broccoli Rabe Sautéed in Garlic – This slightly bitter vegetable sautéed in garlic adds complexity to your meal.
Crispy Potato Wedges – Oven-baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a comforting side that everyone will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking PASTA WITH LENTILS can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

Skipping the rinse – Not rinsing lentils can leave dust or debris. Always rinse them under cold water before cooking.
Using too much liquid – Adding excess broth can lead to a soupy texture. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed.
Neglecting seasoning – Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can result in bland pasta. Always taste your dish before serving and adapt accordingly.
Overcooking the pasta – Cooking pasta for too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente by following package instructions closely.
Ignoring storage guidelines – Not storing leftovers properly may lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers for best results.

Refrigerator Storage

Store PASTA WITH LENTILS in an airtight container.
It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Allow it to cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing PASTA WITH LENTILS

Place in freezer-safe containers or bags for better preservation.
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating PASTA WITH LENTILS

Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave – Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop – Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enhance the flavor of PASTA WITH LENTILS?

Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish’s flavor profile significantly.

Can I customize the ingredients in PASTA WITH LENTILS?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers according to your preference.

Is PASTA WITH LENTILS suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and flavors develop over time.

What type of pasta works best for PASTA WITH LENTILS?

Short pasta shapes such as ditalini, elbows, or orecchiette complement lentils beautifully.

Conclusion

This delightful PASTA WITH LENTILS recipe is not only nourishing but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various vegetables and spices to suit your taste. Try this one-pot wonder today and enjoy its rich flavors!