Name: The Best Pasta with Lentils Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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Introduction

This hearty pasta with lentils dish combines tender lentils and bite-sized pasta in a flavorful tomato broth. It’s a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a layer of small, round brown lentils mixed with short, tube-shaped pasta pieces that are light golden yellow. There are a few bright red cherry tomatoes scattered among the lentils and pasta. Small green leaves, likely herbs, are placed on top, adding a splash of color. The lentils and pasta appear glossy and coated in a thin brown sauce with some black pepper sprinkled. The bowl is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
¼ tsp ground cumin
Fine salt, to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot along with bay leaves, then stir for about one minute. (If using canned tomatoes or just tomato paste, add them later with the broth and spices.)
Step 3: Stir in rinsed lentils, ground cumin, tomato paste, broth, and black pepper.
Step 4: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 20–25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 6: Add the pasta to the pot and cook gently over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking until pasta is al dente.
Step 7: If the stew is too thick, gradually add more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency. Remember, it will thicken the longer it sits on the stove, so adjust seasoning again if needed.
Step 8: Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese if not keeping it vegan. You can also garnish with chili flakes and chopped parsley for extra flavor. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Using short pasta shapes like ditalini or elbows helps the lentils and pasta cook evenly together.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy twist.
For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a spoonful of vegan cream at the end.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture if it has thickened.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a white bowl filled with a thick mixture of small tube pasta, lentils, and cherry tomatoes. The pasta is light yellow and smooth, mixing evenly with the soft, brown lentils. A few bright red cherry tomatoes add color among the mostly brown and yellow ingredients. Fresh green herb leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh look. The sauce is slightly shiny and coats the pasta and lentils well, making the dish look warm and hearty. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

While you can use canned lentils to save time, cooking with dried lentils allows better control over texture and absorbs more flavor during cooking. If using canned, add them later in the process and reduce cooking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?

You can substitute cherry tomatoes with regular tomatoes, chopped. Alternatively, increasing the amount of tomato paste will also provide good flavor if fresh tomatoes aren’t available.