Lentils and Pasta is a comforting family recipe that only takes 20 minutes to make. This meatless dinner is healthy, delicious, and perfect for all ages.
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Why this Lentil Pasta Recipe is a Keeper
Pasta with lentils, also known as pasta e lenticchie, is an easy recipe made with pasta, cooked in a rich tomato paste sauce and paired with green or brown lentils. This lentil dish is delicious, with a texture more like stew than a pasta dish. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to pair lentils with pasta:
- 20 Minute Meal: Have spaghetti and lentils ready in just 20 minutes. You can make lentil pasta as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
- Pantry Staples: All of the ingredients for this vegan pasta dish can likely be found in your kitchen pantry or local grocery store.
- Family Friendly: This is a great recipe the entire family will enjoy. It’s super easy to make and is and is filled with protein and iron!
If you’re looking for more pasta recipes, try these: Slow Roasted Tomato Basil Pasta, Caramelized Shallot Pasta, and Parmesan Shrimp Pasta.
Are Lentils Beans?
Lentils aren’t beans, but both are legumes, which are classified as a type of vegetable. There are various kinds of lentils, all with assorted colors and flavors. You can use anything you want in this excellent recipe.
Ingredient Notes for Pasta with Lentils
- Lentils: Use canned lentil soup or use dried lentils. Any variety is fine. If you’re using dried lentils, make sure to rinse the lentils first.
- Spaghetti: This recipe calls for spaghetti pasta, but you can use any kind you want.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for Spaghetti with Lentils
- Pasta Shapes: Use various kinds of pasta, like penne, ziti, and linguini. Just add the pasta to a large pot, then cook until the pasta is al dente. Pasta e lenticchie is often made with ditalini pasta cooked with various other ingredients and pasta sauce, but this recipe uses spaghetti. You can also use whole-grain pasta for a healthier option.
- Lentils: Assorted colors of lentils have assorted flavors, so use whichever one you like best. You can use red or yellow lentils, brown lentils, black lentils, or green lentils. Alternatively, you can use a lentil variety to get all the flavors in.
Fun Fact
Lentils are highly nutritious, and contain 25% protein.
How to Make Italian Lentil Pasta
These are the basic steps for making pasta and lentils. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions on how to make this hearty lentils dish.
1. Sautee Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet with deep sides, sauté onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent (about 5 minutes). Then, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute more. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. Add the Lentils and Make Lentil Sauce
Add lentil soup, diced, tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes to cook the lentils.
3. Serve
Once the pasta is cooked and the lentils are done, serve the lentil mixture over pasta and top with grated parmesan cheese.
Lentils and Pasta FAQs
Expert Tips for Making Lentils and Pasta
- Vegetables: Add more vegetables to this pasta dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, and asparagus.
- Broth: Use different broths in this recipe, like chicken broth or vegetable broth.
What to Serve with Spaghetti and Lentils
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Lentils and Pasta
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Ingredients
- 21.5 ounces Lentil Soup, 2 cans
- 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes, 1 can
- 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 1 Small Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 pound Spaghetti, Cooked
- Parmesan Cheese, Grated
Instructions
- In a large skillet with deep sides, sauté onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
- Add lentil soup, diced, tomatoes and tomato sauce and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve over pasta and top with grated parmesan cheese.
Christina’s Notes
- Vegetables: Add more vegetables to this pasta dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, and asparagus.
- Broth: Use different broths in this recipe, like chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.