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    Home » Main Course

    3 Ingredient Creamy Tomato Lentil Pasta

    Jan 28, 2023 · Leave a Comment

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    This 3 ingredient creamy tomato lentil pasta is the ultimate dinner go-to! Not only does it require minimal time, but it is also simple enough for even beginner cooks to master. This dish uses hearty and nutritious lentils combined with a creamy and indulgent tomato sauce. With just a handful of ingredients, this impressive dinner is ready in no time! Best served warm with grated parmesan cheese as an optional topping, it’s sure to become a staple in any kitchen.

    A bowl of lentil pasta with creamy tomato sauce, fresh basil, and grated parmesan.
    Jump to Recipe

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    Craving a comfort food meal without the extra effort? This 3 ingredient creamy tomato lentil pasta recipe is the perfect solution. It's quick, easy to make and full of flavor! All that's needed are spaghetti noodles, canned lentils, and a creamy tomato pasta sauce for a nutritious and delicious meal.

    You'll love how this simple dish manages to achieve all that creamy perfection in just a few steps. It's the perfect dish for busy weeknights and comes together in no time. So why wait? Get in your kitchen and give this hearty recipe a try!

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • What You’ll Need To Make 3 Ingredient Creamy Tomato Lentil Pasta
    • How To Make 3 Ingredient Creamy Tomato Lentil Pasta
    • Tips & Tricks For Making The Best Creamy Tomato Lentil Pasta
    • Serving Suggestions And Substitutions 
    • How To Store Leftovers
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Tools And Equipment For This Recipe
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    Looking for an easy and delicious meal that will impress even the pickiest of eaters? This 3-ingredient creamy tomato lentil pasta recipe is more than just convenient - it's delicious!

    Made with only three ingredients – lentils, pasta, and creamy tomato pasta sauce – it's surprisingly simple to make. But don't let this fool you - this dish is a knockout! Here are four reasons why you'll fall head over heels in love with this incredible recipe :

    1. It's super simple and packed with nutrients - the perfect combination for busy families.
    2. It's quick to make and can be tossed together in 20 minutes.
    3. The flavors balance each other perfectly, blending hints of sweetness from the tomato sauce with an earthy nuttiness from the lentils.
    4. It has just the right amount of creaminess without becoming too heavy.

    Give this amazing pasta-inspired recipe a try today!

    What You’ll Need To Make 3 Ingredient Creamy Tomato Lentil Pasta

    Ingredients needed to make 3 ingredient creamy tomato lentil pasta.

    Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you like in this recipe. I recommend using spaghetti noodles, but feel free to use whatever you have in your pantry.

    Canned lentils: I suggest using canned lentils for this recipe, as they require very little cooking time and are packed with fiber and protein. Red or brown lentils are best for this recipe.

    Creamy tomato pasta sauce: Choose a good quality creamy tomato pasta sauce for the best results. I used a creamy parmesan tomato sauce from Costco for this recipe, but vodka sauce is another great option.

    Grated parmesan cheese (optional): If you like, top your dish with some freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.

    Fresh basil (optional): A few leaves of freshly torn basil add a nice flavor and pop of color.

    How To Make 3 Ingredient Creamy Tomato Lentil Pasta

    Now that you have all the ingredients ready to go, let’s make this easy 3 ingredient creamy tomato lentil pasta! This recipe is so easy to make - just follow the steps below and you'll have a meal ready in no time.

    Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti noodles. Cook according to package instructions and drain, reserving some of the pasta water for later use.

    Uncooked spaghetti added to a pot of salted boiling water.
    Cooked and drained spaghetti in a white metal colander.

    Step 2: In the same pot, combine the canned lentils and the creamy tomato sauce. Stir to combine.

    Step 3: If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through.

    Step 4: Add the cooked and drained spaghetti noodles and toss to combine.

    Canned lentils added to creamy tomato pasta sauce in a large white pot.
    Pasta, creamy tomato sauce, and lentils in a white pot.

    Step 5: Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

    Tips & Tricks For Making The Best Creamy Tomato Lentil Pasta

    This dish is so easy to make, but here are a few tips and tricks for making it even better!

    • For the best results, use canned lentils instead of dry lentils. Canned lentils are much quicker to cook, and they don't require any soaking time.
    • Don't forget to reserve some of the pasta water before draining! The starchy cooking liquid helps to thicken and add flavor to the sauce.
    • If you have time, try making your own creamy tomato sauce from scratch. Simply combine 14 ounces of canned diced tomatoes with ½ cup of heavy cream and your favorite seasonings to create a simple, tasty creamy tomato sauce.
    A bowl of creamy tomato lentil spaghetti with parmesan and basil.

    Serving Suggestions And Substitutions 

    This 3 ingredient creamy tomato lentil pasta makes a delicious meal all on its own, but you can also serve it up with some freshly baked bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

    You can also switch up the ingredients to make this dish your own.

    Try using a different type of canned beans or lentils, or swap out the spaghetti for whole-wheat rotini or penne. You can also experiment with different types of creamy pasta sauces to find your favorite one.

    If you're looking to add some more protein, try adding cooked chicken or Italian sausage to the dish. And if you want to add some vegetables to the dish, try stirring in some fresh or frozen spinach at the end.

    When it comes to creating a quick and easy creamy tomato lentil pasta, the possibilities are endless!

    Two bowls of 3 ingredient creamy tomato lentil pasta.

    How To Store Leftovers

    This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warm or transfer to a pot and heat over medium-low.

    You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as described above. Enjoy!

    A bowl of creamy tomato lentil pasta with grated parmesan and fresh basil.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of lentils are best for this recipe?

    Canned lentils are the easiest to use for this dish, as they don't require any soaking time. If you prefer to use dry lentils, you can soak them overnight and then cook them according to package instructions.

    Can I use a different type of creamy pasta sauce?

    Yes, absolutely! You can use any type of creamy pasta sauce you like. Alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, and even marinara sauce can all work in this recipe.

    Do I have to use parmesan cheese?

    No, you don't! This dish is still delicious without the parmesan cheese. If you prefer, you can top it with some freshly chopped herbs (such as basil or parsley) or vegan cheese instead.

    Can this dish be made ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make this dish up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, thawed overnight in the fridge, and then reheated before serving.

    An overhead shot of 3 ingredient creamy tomato lentil pasta with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.

    Tools And Equipment For This Recipe

    Le Creuset Signature Deep Dutch Oven: This is my absolute favorite dutch oven and I use it all the time. Its large capacity makes it perfect for one-pot dishes like this creamy lentil pasta or ricotta and lemon pasta. It’s pricey but it is super versatile and will last you a lifetime.

    Powder-Coated Colander Set: This is a great set of colanders that come in three different sizes. I use them for everything from washing vegetables to draining pasta.

    Sweese Pasta Bowls: These are my go-to pasta bowls. They are a great size for single servings, and they have a wide, shallow shape that’s perfect for catching any extra sauce. Plus, they’re dishwasher and microwave safe too.

    📖 Recipe

    A bowl of 3 ingredient creamy tomato lentil pasta with fresh basil.

    3 Ingredient Creamy Tomato Lentil Pasta

    Author: Jenna
    This 3 ingredient creamy tomato lentil pasta is the ultimate dinner go-to! Not only does it require minimal time, but it is also simple enough for even beginner cooks to master. This dish uses hearty and nutritious lentils combined with a creamy and indulgent tomato sauce. With just a handful of ingredients, this impressive dinner is ready in no time! Best served warm with grated parmesan cheese as an optional topping, it’s sure to become a staple in any kitchen.
    5 from 11 votes
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    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 475 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 12 ounces dry spaghetti
    • 14 ounces canned lentils
    • 3 cups creamy tomato pasta sauce

    Instructions
     

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti noodles. Cook according to package instructions and drain, reserving some of the pasta water for later use.
    • In the same pot, combine the canned lentils and the creamy tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
    • If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through.
    • Add the cooked and drained spaghetti noodles and toss to combine.
    • Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 475kcalCarbohydrates: 93gProtein: 22gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 878mgPotassium: 1102mgFiber: 13gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 804IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 6mg

    * Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content may vary based on brands of ingredients used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hi, I'm Jenna!

    Welcome to my kitchen! I’m a self-taught cook, recipe developer, and food photographer with a passion for creating easy and tasty food for everyday life. My goal is to make cooking simple, delicious, and accessible for everyone.

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