Italian Pasta with Lentils is a staple of Neapolitan cuisine. Naples is famous all over the world for its exquisite cuisine, and this recipe showcases the combination of pasta and lentils better than any other. This deeply satisfying Italian pasta is brimming with flavor. It is flavored with bay leaves, black pepper, and cumin. Cumin is a classic addition to Mediterranean dishes, and I find adding a pinch offers a flavor that people enjoy but can’t distinctly identify. Not to mention, this recipe uses only vegan ingredients, and you need only one pot to make it.
The best part, though? This vegan recipe is beyond simple. First, you slightly cook onions, garlic, and tomatoes. And then you just add in all of the ingredients by following the steps below, including the uncooked pasta, and cook until the pasta is al dente. In doing so, the starch from pasta is released into the cooking liquid and creates a creamy and rich sauce. Actually, the sauce is so creamy you won’t believe there is no butter in this recipe.
To make the Italian Pasta with Lentils, you will need the following ingredients:
In a large pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and add 1 diced onion. Sauté for 3 minutes.
Add 2 minced cloves garlic, 8 halved cherry tomatoes, and 2 bay leaves and cook for 1 minute more. If using canned tomatoes add them along with the ingredients listed in the step below.
Add in 1 ¼ cups dried lentils, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 5 cups vegetable broth, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
Increase the heat and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are soft.
Taste and adjust salt if needed. Add in 1 ¼ cups pasta and cook gently, stirring frequently, until al dente. If it seems too thick, add a touch of water or broth to thin to desired consistency. Taste and adjust more seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately with a drizzle of olive oil, chopped parsley, freshly ground black pepper, or chili flakes and enjoy!
Superb. I made this dish for my mates last week and they couldn't believe how good it was. The flavours and simplicity are just fantastic. Definitely a go-to for a quick meal.
OMG, this Italian Pasta with Lentils is a total game changer!😋 I whipped it up for my fam the other night, and they were all like, 'Holy moly, this is yum!' So easy too—just one pot, and dinner's ready. Seriously, try it out! You won't regret it!💖
So simple, loved it!
J'ai fait ce plat pour un dîner en famille et tout le monde a adoré. C'est simple et prêt en peu de temps. Merci pour cette belle recette.
Superb recipe here. I made this for a cozy dinner and it turned out fantastic. Lentils and pasta together are just perfect. It brings back memories of my grandmother’s cooking. So grateful to find this dish.
So easy! I made this pasta with lentils for a cozy dinner, and it reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking. The flavors melded together wonderfully, and I loved how creamy it turned out without any dairy. A delightful comfort food that I’ll be making again soon!
Simply delicious dish!
I love Italian comfort food. Thanks for sharing!
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