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One Pot Pasta with Cheesy Lentil Sauce Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 large servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This One Pot Pasta with Cheesy Lentil Sauce is a delicious and protein-packed vegetarian dinner that combines a creamy tomato lentil sauce with tender pasta. Minimal chopping and a single pan make this meal quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce is flavorful, thick, and comforting, making it a family-friendly meal ready in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Sauce and Pasta

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp mixed Italian herbs
  • 1 can green or brown lentils, drained
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cans chopped or whole tomatoes (14 oz / 400 g each)
  • ½ tsp balsamic vinegar
  • ½ tsp brown sugar
  • 300 g (11 oz) dried pasta

For Topping

  • 170 g (6 oz) grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Garlic and Herbs: In a large pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the mixed Italian herbs and the drained lentils, stirring together for about one minute to combine flavors.
  2. Make the Tomato Sauce: Add the chopped or whole tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar to the pan. Stir well to form a rich tomato sauce base.
  3. Add Pasta and Water: Add the dried pasta directly into the sauce. Fill one of the tomato cans one and a half times with water and pour this into the pan as well, ensuring enough liquid to cook the pasta.
  4. Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente. Monitor the sauce’s consistency and add extra water if it thickens too much before the pasta finishes cooking, especially if using thicker pasta.
  5. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If after cooking the pasta the sauce is too thin, continue simmering uncovered for a few minutes to reduce excess liquid, or stir in additional tomato paste to thicken the sauce.
  6. Add Cheese and Serve: Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute brown lentils with green lentils based on preference or availability.
  • Add extra water during cooking as needed depending on the pasta type to ensure proper doneness.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, add additional tomato paste or allow the sauce to simmer longer without a lid.
  • For a vegan version, replace cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
  • Using quick-cooking pasta can reduce total cooking time slightly.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/one-pot-pasta-with-cheesy-lentil-sauce-recipe/