Creamy One-Pot Lentil Pasta (Italian-Style Comfort Meal)
If you’re looking for a nourishing, comforting, and budget-friendly dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this creamy lentil pasta is exactly what you need. Inspired by rustic Italian home cooking, this one-pot meal brings together tender lentils, short pasta, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs in a rich, naturally creamy sauce.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a satisfying meatless dinner the whole family will enjoy. It’s wholesome, filling, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a smart and delicious choice for everyday cooking.
Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Lentil Pasta
- Made in one pot for easy cleanup
- Naturally creamy without heavy ingredients
- Rich in plant-based protein and fiber
- Affordable and made with pantry staples
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Comforting, filling, and family-friendly
Ingredients
You’ll find exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Short pasta such as ditalini, small shells, rotini, or penne
- Dried green or brown lentils
- Onion
- Carrot
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Cherry tomatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley for serving
Optional additions:
Spinach, kale, or diced tomatoes can be added for extra vegetables and color.
How to Make Lentil Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, rosemary, and bay leaves, allowing the mixture to become fragrant and slightly caramelized.
Step 2: Cook the Lentils
Add the rinsed lentils, halved cherry tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered until the lentils are almost tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Stir the pasta directly into the pot along with additional vegetable broth. Let everything simmer until the pasta is cooked to your liking and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Add more liquid if needed to keep the texture silky.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaves and herb sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. A squeeze of lemon can be added for brightness if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use small pasta shapes so they cook evenly with the lentils
- Stir often after adding the pasta to prevent sticking
- Slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to reheat later
- For extra creaminess, blend a small portion of the lentils before adding the pasta
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheating: Add a splash of water or broth and reheat gently
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the pasta may soften slightly
What to Serve with Lentil Pasta
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides such as:
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Crusty homemade bread
Recipe Card
Creamy One-Pot Lentil Pasta
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 additional cups vegetable broth (as needed)
- 1½ cups short pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sprig rosemary or thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and carrot and cook for 4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, rosemary, and bay leaves; cook 1 minute.
- Add lentils, cherry tomatoes, broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in pasta and additional broth. Cook until pasta is tender.
- Remove herbs, adjust seasoning, and serve with parsley