3-Ingredient 15-Minute Lentil Tomato Pasta

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Want a quick and easy meal? This 3-ingredient lentil tomato pasta is perfect for you. You can whip up this tasty dish in just 15 minutes with pasta, sauce, and canned lentils. It’s a simple way to add protein to your pasta night.

This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook. You’ll love how fast and filling this meal is. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and uses items you probably already have in your pantry.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and easy lentil tomato pasta:

• 1 pack (375g) of your favorite pasta
• 1 jar (880ml/30oz) of store-bought tomato pasta sauce
• 1 can (540ml/19oz) of lentils

That’s it! Just three simple ingredients for a filling meal.

You can use any type of pasta you like – spaghetti, penne, or rotini all work great. For the sauce, pick your favorite jarred tomato pasta sauce from the store.

Don’t forget to drain and rinse the canned lentils before adding them to your dish. They’ll add a nice protein boost to your pasta.

If you want to add some extra flavor, you can sprinkle in some black pepper to taste. But this is totally optional.

Instructions

Start by cooking the pasta. Follow the directions on the package for best results.

While the pasta cooks, open your jar of sauce and can of lentils. Drain and rinse the lentils well.

When the pasta is done, drain it and put it back in the pot. Add the sauce and lentils to the pasta.

Put the pot back on the stove over medium heat. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes until it’s hot. Keep stirring so nothing sticks.

You can also heat the sauce and lentils in a separate pot while the pasta cooks. This saves time but uses an extra pot.

Serve your pasta hot. Add any toppings you like, such as:

• Grated cheese
• Fresh herbs
• Red pepper flakes
• A drizzle of olive oil

Enjoy your quick and easy meal!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

Don’t have lentils? Try these swaps:

• Canned beans (kidney, white, or chickpeas)
• Cooked ground meat or plant-based crumbles
• Frozen peas or edamame

No jarred sauce? Make a quick one:

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil
2. Add canned crushed tomatoes
3. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs

Switch up your pasta:

• Use whole wheat for extra fiber
• Try gluten-free options like rice or chickpea pasta
• Swap in zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist

Add veggies for more nutrition:

• Stir in frozen spinach or kale
• Toss in roasted bell peppers or zucchini
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms

Boost the flavor with:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Fresh basil or parsley

Make it creamy:

• Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt
• Add a splash of heavy cream
• Mix in some ricotta cheese

These easy changes can turn your simple dish into something new and exciting!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Choose your favorite pasta shape for this recipe. Short shapes like penne or rotini work well and are easy to eat.

Add extra flavor by tossing in some dried herbs like basil or oregano. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can also make your dish even tastier.

Don’t overcook the lentils. They should be tender but still hold their shape. This gives your pasta a nice texture.

Make a big batch and save leftovers for quick meals later. Store your lentil tomato pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for 3-4 days.

To reheat, put your pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until it’s hot all the way through.

For a protein boost, try using lentil pasta instead of regular pasta. This simple swap can make your meal even more filling and nutritious.