I “invented” this one night when I wanted to make a quick meal but didn’t have much fresh food in the house. It’s simply but ultimately tasty, filling and nutritious. If you have a vegetable or salad side for the greens, it really would fill it out even better.

Print Recipe

Quick Lentil and Tomato Pasta

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Lentils, Quick

Servings: servings

Calories: 499kcal

Ingredients

200 g black lentils or green lentils
½ lb dry pasta farfalle, spiral or other small pasta preferred
15 oz canned crushed tomatoes or other unsalted, unseasoned tomato sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp oregano
2 cloves garlic or 1 tsp dry minced garlic, or ½ tsp garlic powder
1 onion optional
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
2 oz Parmesan optional

Instructions

First, cook the lentils. Heat at least 1 liter water in the kettle (or over the stove) until boiling. Add to a medium sauce pot and add about 1 tsp salt per liter. Add lentils and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low-medium-low, cover and cook for 10-20 minutes, depending on the lentil type. When done, drain lentils.
Heat an appropriately large pot of water over high heat (or use the kettle again to kickstart this) to cook the pasta. Cook according to package directions.
Prepare tomato sauce by heat oil in a skillet or Dutch oven and adding spices until they're fragrant. Then add crushed tomatoes and cook down some on a low heat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
When lentils are done, combine with the tomato sauce. When pasta is done, combine with the whole thing. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan on top and a side vegetable or salad, if available.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Quick Lentil and Tomato Pasta

Amount Per Serving

Calories 499 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 10mg3%

Sodium 378mg16%

Potassium 512mg15%

Carbohydrates 79g26%

Fiber 15g63%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 27g54%

Vitamin A 397IU8%

Vitamin C 14mg17%

Calcium 271mg27%

Iron 7mg39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.