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Pasta and Lentils (Pasta e Lenticchie)

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This Pasta and Lentils recipe, or Pasta e Lenticchie, is a cozy, one-pot Italian comfort dish made with pantry staples like lentils, pasta, and canned tomatoes. Hearty, vegetarian, and budget-friendly, it delivers rich, satisfying flavor without needing broth or cream—perfect for weeknight dinners.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: Serves 4–6
  • Category: Dinner, Main Dish
  • Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped

8 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup brown or green lentils

3 thyme sprigs (optional)

3 fresh or dried bay leaves (optional)

1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, cut with scissors in the can

10 ounces tubular or ridged pasta (like penne or radiatore, or long noodles broken into pieces)

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and tender.

Add 5 cups of water, lentils, and thyme and bay leaves if using. Bring to a boil, then simmer partially covered for 25–30 minutes until lentils are al dente.

Stir in canned tomatoes and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring back to a boil, then add pasta.

Cook, stirring often, until pasta is tender (10–20 minutes). Add more water ¼ cup at a time as needed to maintain a creamy consistency.

Once pasta is cooked, remove from heat, discard thyme and bay leaves, and stir in grated Parmesan.

Cover and let sit for 3 minutes. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and more Parmesan on top.

Notes

Add a Parmesan rind while simmering lentils for extra depth.

Stir in chopped carrots or celery with the onion for added flavor.

A pinch of red pepper flakes brings heat.

Mixed pasta shapes create a rustic, textured dish.

For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/pasta-and-lentils-pasta-e-lenticchie/