Description
Nutritious Lentil Pasta Dish is the kind of easy dinner that checks every box: hearty, cozy, budget-friendly, and full of feel-good ingredients. Tender rigatoni, savory lentils, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs come together in one deeply satisfying bowl that works for busy weeknights, meal prep, healthy snack leftovers, and simple dinner ideas when you want an easy recipe that still tastes special.
Ingredients
12 ounces rigatoni
1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring well to deepen the flavor.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, lentils, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover loosely and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Finish with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese if using, then serve warm.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta before adding it to the sauce, or it can turn too soft after everything is combined and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 5mg