Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: Tomato Lentil Pasta! This hearty meal is not just bursting with flavor, but it’s also packed with nutrients that make you feel good inside. I remember the first time I made it for friends; they couldn’t believe how delicious and filling it was! It’s the perfect balance of pasta, lentils, and vibrant tomatoes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or when I simply want something comforting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen because it’s healthy, simple to whip up, and oh-so-satisfying!
Ingredients for Tomato Lentil Pasta
Gather these simple yet delicious ingredients to make your Tomato Lentil Pasta shine:
- 2 cups pasta (any type you love, I usually go for penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown work wonderfully)
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned – both are great)
- 1 onion, chopped (the sweeter, the better!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if possible)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (this adds such a lovely aroma)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (perfect for that Italian touch)
With these ingredients at hand, you’re one step closer to enjoying a bowl of comforting goodness!
How to Prepare Tomato Lentil Pasta
Now, let’s dive into the easy-peasy steps for preparing your Tomato Lentil Pasta! It’s a straightforward process that’ll have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time.
- First, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water for extra flavor! It usually takes about 8-10 minutes to get that perfect al dente texture.
- While your pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent—this is where the magic begins!
- Next, add in the lentils and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it simmer. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Make sure to give it a stir every now and then to prevent sticking.
- Once the lentils are cooked, drain your pasta and combine it with the lentil mixture in the pan. Toss everything together until well-coated, and voilà! Your hearty Tomato Lentil Pasta is ready to serve.
Trust me, you’re going to love how simple yet flavorful this dish is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling and nutritious meal.
- Super simple to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, savory flavors from the tomatoes and herbs that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Vegan-friendly and great for those following a plant-based diet.
- One-pot dish means fewer dishes to wash—yes, please!
- Versatile—feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to customize it to your liking!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Tomato Lentil Pasta turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, keep an eye on your lentils; they can go from tender to mushy if left too long, so check them around the 15-minute mark. If you want a kick, don’t hesitate to toss in some red pepper flakes while it simmers. And if you’re out of dried herbs, fresh ones work wonders too—just double the amount! Lastly, taste as you go; adjusting the salt and pepper to your preference can make all the difference. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Tomato Lentil Pasta
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my delightful Tomato Lentil Pasta: approximately 320 calories, 8g of fat, 15g of protein, 50g of carbohydrates, and 12g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this wholesome meal guilt-free!
FAQ about Tomato Lentil Pasta
Can I use different types of lentils? Absolutely! While green or brown lentils are perfect for this dish, you can also try red lentils. Just keep in mind they cook faster, so adjust your simmering time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! Tomato Lentil Pasta is great for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits!
Is this recipe gluten-free? If you swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version. Just check the cooking time since gluten-free pasta can vary.
What can I add for extra flavor? Fresh herbs like parsley or a splash of balsamic vinegar can elevate the dish even more. Feel free to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious Tomato Lentil Pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it up. Enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog or explore pumpkin lentil soup for a cozy meal option!
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Tomato Lentil Pasta: 5 Savory Steps to Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A healthy and hearty dish made with pasta, tomatoes, and lentils.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add lentils and diced tomatoes to the pan.
- Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
- Simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Combine cooked pasta with the lentil mixture.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes.
- Use whole grain pasta for extra fiber.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling and simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Tomato Lentil Pasta