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    Home » Pasta

    Lentil Pasta

    Published: Sep 7, 2022 · by Nico

    Jump to Recipe

    Lentil pasta or pasta with lentils is a nutritious, tasty, and wholesome Italian recipe (pasta e lenticchie) where the lentils and the pasta are cooked together in one pot.

    It's a perfect main dish for lunch or dinner, and the recipe is very easy. In addition, it's kids-friendly and contains all the macros to keep you healthy and satiated.

    lentil pasta
    On this page:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storage
    • More lentil recipes
    • More pasta recipes
    • Recipe

    Check out our best pasta recipe collection!

    Lentil pasta or pasta with lentils is a traditional Italian recipe that has been around for hundreds of years.

    And while the recipe might seem a little old-fashioned for some, it could not have been developed any better for modern-day needs, where heart-healthy plant-based foods such as legumes are having a comeback.

    Lentils are the oldest legume domesticated by humans and are a nutrition powerhouse. They are an inexpensive way of getting all the nutrients you need to lead a healthy lifestyle.

    Combined with pasta, they make a tasty and nutritious meal, especially if, like in this recipe, you cook them together in the same pot.

    And because most lentil varieties don't require soaking, you can make most lentil recipes, including this one, for a wholesome weeknights dinner in less than three-quarters of an hour.

    Quick nutrition info: One cup (200 grams) of cooked lentils provides a whopping 17 grams of protein, 15 grams of super healthy fiber, and virtually no fat. Included in the price, you'll get plenty of thiamine, niacin, B6 vitamin, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, and manganese.

    They burst with phytochemicals that might protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In addition, they contain no cholesterol or saturated fat.

    Ingredients

    ingredients for pasta and lentils

    Pasta

    For this lentil pasta recipe, we use regular wheat pasta, not red lentil pasta.

    Ditalini pasta is the best pasta shape for this recipe. You can find it in most supermarkets, often from an imported Italian brand like Barilla.

    Alternatively, you can use small conchiglie, cavatelli, penne, elbows, or rotini, although that would be less traditional.

    Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

    Lentils

    Use dry green and brown lentils. Try to pick a small and flat variety, so they are more delicate, won't require soaking, and cook a little faster.

    We don't recommend red lentils for this recipe because they won't keep their shape.

    Foodie tip: The most traditional lentil variety used in Italian lentil pasta is "lenticchia di Castelluccio," a small green and brown lentil cultivated around the small town of Castelluccio, on the Appennine Mountains between Umbria and Marche, Italy.

    Carrot, onion, olive oil

    We make a flavor base with extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped carrots, and onion. That's common in Italian cooking and a best practice for this recipe.

    Garlic, rosemary, bay leaves

    Garlic, rosemary, and optionally bay leaves add even more flavor and aroma to the lentil pasta. Fresh thyme sprigs and sage are a good alternative to the rosemary-bay leaves combo.

    Tomato paste

    Tomato paste adds color and umami, enriching this dish and helping create a more persistent flavor.

    Cherry tomatoes

    You can use any small tomato variety, including cherry, plum, and date tomatoes. They add freshness and acidity to the dish.

    Vegetable broth

    We cook the lentils and the pasta in vegetable broth. You can use store-bought broth or make it yourself.

    Salt and pepper

    Sea salt or kosher salt for taste and freshly ground black pepper for aroma. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes if you like.

    Parsley

    We add fresh parsley at the end, the Italian flat-leaf variety. It adds freshness, and we recommend it. Alternatively, fresh basil fits this dish well.

    pasta and lentils

    Instructions

    In a dutch oven or large pot, gently fry finely chopped onion and carrot with olive oil for 3 minutes.

    Add tomato paste, minced garlic, rosemary, and bay leaves, and fry for two more minutes, stirring occasionally.

    carrot, onion, bay leaves and tomato paste in a dutch oven

    Add 4 cups of vegetable broth, halved cherry tomatoes, rinsed lentils, salt, and black pepper.

    Tip: rinse dry lentils in a sieve and ensure there are no small stones or debris mixed with the lentils.

    tomato puree and lentils added to the pot

    Bring to a boil, then simmer the lentil in the sauce on medium heat for about 20 minutes, until they are almost cooked but still have a bite. Stir occasionally.

    Tip: different lentils have different cooking times, which vary between 20 and 45 minutes. Smaller and flatter lentils cook faster.

    lentils cooked in dutch oven

    Add in the ditalini pasta, and if required, some more vegetable broth. Simmer the pasta with lentils for about 10 - 12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.

    Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

    Tip: we like to undercook the pasta slightly, especially if you don't serve this dish immediately, because the pasta will keep cooking in the pot with the hot lentils.

    pasta cooking with the lentils

    When the pasta is cooked, turn the heat off and add the chopped parsley, give it a final stir, taste, and adjust for salt and consistency.

    Tip: If you'd like to have pasta with lentils like soup, then add more broth and serve it with a spoon. If you like it denser, like a pasta dish, then simmer until it gets there, and serve it with a fork.

    lentil pasta cooked in dutch oven

    Serving suggestions

    Lentil pasta is a nutritious and fulfilling main dish; a small portion will keep you full for several hours.

    You can serve it as is or with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan.

    lentil pasta in a bowl

    We recommend eating it as a main dish for lunch or dinner. You can have it on its own or serve it with a side dish of vegetables or with a simple side salad. Here are some ideas:

    • Simple side salad with crunchy leafy greens
    • Italian salad with oregano dressing
    • Roasted cauliflower or air fryer cauliflower
    • Green bean salad with creamy mustard dressing
    • Fennel and orange salad
    • Tomato cucumber salad
    • Air fryer zucchini
    • Oven roasted broccoli
    • Side Salad
    • Roasted Cauliflower
    • Green Bean Salad
    • Italian Salad
    • Fennel and Orange Salad
    • Air Fryer Zucchini
    • Cucumber Tomato Salad
    • Roasted Broccoli

    Storage

    Lentil pasta is an excellent meal-prep recipe; you can make it up to 3 - 4 days ahead of time. If you do so, however, we'd recommend undercooking the pasta quite a bit so that when you reheat it, it'll still be nice and al dente.

    Also, as you store lentil pasta in the fridge, the pasta and the lentils soak up all the liquids and dry the dish. That's normal; you just have to add some water or broth, stir, and reheat in the microwave or a small pot.

    You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this recipe, although the pasta will get mushy once thawed and reheated. If you don't mind, go ahead and freeze for up to 6 months.

    More lentil recipes

    If you are looking to eat more delicious and wholesome lentil recipes, check out our:

    • Lentil tabbouleh with parsley and tomatoes
    • Cauliflower lentil salad with Mediterranean-inspired dressing
    • Lentil sweet potato salad with delicious cumin dressing
    • Easy lentil curry: a super easy curry recipe, ready in about 30 minutes!
    • Earthy and wholesome lentil soup
    • Our favorite lentil bolognese with a rich and earthy sauce
    • Lentil Tabbouleh
    • Cauliflower Lentil Salad
    • Lentil Sweet Potato Salad
    • Lentil Curry
    • Lentil Soup
    • Lentil bolognese

    More pasta recipes

    For some more pasta ideas, check out our:

    • Garlic and oil pasta (spaghetti aglio e olio)
    • Pasta fagioli with ditalini pasta and irresistible tomato flavor
    • Eggplant pasta (pasta alla norma)
    • Vegan mushroom pasta
    • Creamy butternut squash pasta
    • Easy homemade sweet potato gnocchi
    • Spaghetti pomodoro (pasta al pomodoro)
    • One pot zucchini pasta (real pasta with shredded zucchini)
    • Penne Arrabbiata
    • Vegan Mushroom Pasta
    • Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
    • Cauliflower Pasta

    Recipe

    lentil pasta

    Lentil Pasta

    Author: Nico
    Lentil pasta or pasta with lentils is a nutritious, tasty, and wholesome Italian recipe (pasta e lenticchie) where the lentils and the pasta are cooked together in one pot.
    It's a perfect main dish for lunch or dinner, and the recipe is very easy. In addition, it's kid-friendly and contains all the macros to keep you healthy and satiated.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Main, pasta
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4 - 6 people
    Calories 411 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 medium onion finely chopped
    • 1 medium carrot finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 sprig rosemary or thyme
    • 2 bay leaves or sage
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1 cup lentils green or brown, dry
    • 10 cherry tomatoes halved
    • 5 - 6 cups vegetable broth
    • 2 cups ditalini pasta or other short pasta like penne, ditaloni, conchiglie, or rotini
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 handful parsley finely chopped

    Instructions
     

    • In a dutch oven or large pot, gently fry finely chopped onion and carrot with olive oil for 3 minutes.
      Add tomato paste, minced garlic, rosemary, and bay leaves, and fry for two more minutes, stirring occasionally.
      carrot, onion, bay leaves and tomato paste in a dutch oven
    • Add 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth, halved cherry tomatoes, rinsed lentils, salt, and black pepper.
      tomato puree and lentils added to the pot
    • Bring to a boil, then simmer on medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are almost cooked but still have a bite. Stir occasionally.
      lentils cooked in dutch oven
    • Add in the ditalini pasta, and if required, some more vegetable broth.
      Simmer the pasta with lentils for about 10 - 12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
      Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
      pasta cooking with the lentils
    • When the pasta is cooked, turn the heat off and add the chopped parsley, give it a final stir, taste, and adjust for salt and consistency.
      lentil pasta cooked in dutch oven
    • You can serve it as is or with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan.
      lentil pasta served in a bowl

    Video Recipe

    Lentil Pasta is an authentic Italian Dinner Idea

    Notes

    Nutrition information is an estimate for one medium portion of lentil pasta out of five portions. Our quantities serve between 4 and 6 people.
    Tip: If you'd like to have pasta with lentils like soup, then add more broth and serve it with a spoon. If you like it denser, like a pasta dish, then simmer until it gets there, and serve it with a fork.

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    Lentil Pasta
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 411 Calories from Fat 63
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 7g11%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Trans Fat 0g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 4g
    Cholesterol 0mg0%
    Potassium 712mg20%
    Carbohydrates 70g23%
    Dietary Fiber 15g63%
    Sugar 8g9%
    Protein 18g36%
    Vitamin A 2990IU60%
    Vitamin B6 0.4mg20%
    Vitamin C 15mg18%
    Vitamin E 2mg13%
    Vitamin K 22µg21%
    Calcium 53mg5%
    Folate 213µg53%
    Iron 4mg22%
    Manganese 1mg50%
    Magnesium 85mg21%
    Zinc 3mg20%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?We are not much on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Leave us a comment below instead, it would mean the world to us 🙂

    If you liked this lentil recipe, check out these:

    • 35 Best Vegetarian Lunch Ideas
    • 28 Best Fall Recipes | Dinner + Lunch
    • 65 Amazing Vegan Italian Recipes
    • 40 Italian Vegetarian Dishes
    « Sweet Potato Soup
    Cauliflower Soup »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Manu

      October 16, 2022 at 11:00 am

      5 stars
      Buonissima.
      Lo fatta qualche giorno fa.
      Conplimenti per il blog.

      Reply
      • Louise

        October 16, 2022 at 11:08 am

        Grazie 1000, Manu!!

        Reply
        • Sofi

          January 05, 2023 at 3:26 pm

          5 stars
          This was so tasty!🤤 (And easy to make!) Probably because I LOVE lentils!🤎

          Reply
          • Louise

            January 05, 2023 at 3:32 pm

            Hi Sofi, that's fantastic, I'm so glad you liked it - welcome to our lentil fan club 😉 Thanks so much for leaving a message. Kindest, Louise

            Reply
    2. A

      October 08, 2022 at 11:50 pm

      5 stars
      This dish was huge hit for our family lunch today! Approved by vegans and non vegans alike. Thank you for your good work!!

      Reply
      • Nico

        October 09, 2022 at 8:04 am

        Hi A, I'm super happy to hear that you shared the pasta with your family, thanks so much for coming back to leave a message! Cheers, Nico

        Reply

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

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