Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pasta With Lentils

This The Best Pasta with Lentils is a hearty, one-pot comfort meal made with tender lentils, short pasta, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and flavorful broth. Perfect as an easy dinner, healthy dinner, quick family meal, and budget-friendly recipe, it’s packed with plant-based protein and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re searching for comforting dinner ideas, simple food ideas, or an easy recipe that everyone will love, this satisfying dish belongs on your weekly menu.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1¼ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1¼ cups short pasta (ditalini, elbows, orecchiette, or mezzi rigatoni)
  • 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth, plus more if needed
  • 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for serving
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Fine salt, to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, plus extra for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened.
  2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cumin for one minute.
  4. Pour in the broth, then add the lentils and cherry tomatoes.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the lentils are almost tender.
  6. Stir in the pasta and continue cooking until both the pasta and lentils are tender.
  7. Add extra broth if needed to maintain your preferred consistency.
  8. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper.

Notes

  • Add extra broth when reheating since the pasta absorbs liquid during storage.
  • Brown or green lentils provide the best texture and hold their shape well.
  • Finish with Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for extra flavor.
  • Author: Emmy Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 servings
  • Calories: 385 kcal per serving

Keywords: best pasta with lentils, pasta with lentils recipe, one pot lentil pasta, easy lentil pasta, healthy pasta dinner, Italian lentil pasta, vegetarian pasta recipe, comforting pasta dinner