Lentil Pasta Soup: Hearty and Delicious Recipe

Looking for a cozy and satisfying dish to warm your soul on chilly evenings? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Pasta with Lentils Broth. Each spoonful of this heartwarming meal is a taste of comfort, with tender lentils creating a savory sauce that clings to the short pasta shapes, making every bite a true delight. It’s a simple yet nourishing dish that transforms humble pantry staples into a flavorful and fulfilling dinner.

I remember the first time I whipped up this Pasta with Lentils Broth after a tiring day, using whatever ingredients I had on hand. Little did I know it would become a beloved favorite in my household, requested time and time again for its rich flavors and comforting appeal. As the lentils simmer in the broth and meld with the pasta, the aroma alone will transport you to a place of culinary nostalgia, reminiscent of cherished family recipes that never fail to bring joy to the table.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity. Whether you’re adding a drizzle of olive oil for that homemade touch or customizing with your favorite herbs and spices, Pasta with Lentils Broth is a true crowd-pleaser that offers a taste of tradition and wholesomeness in every bowl. So, gather your ingredients, simmer up a pot of this delightful dish, and let its warmth fill your home with love and contentment.

Quick Benefits

• Hearty and Nourishing: Provides a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples to create a flavorful and nourishing dish without the need for fancy or expensive items.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Allows for variations in ingredients based on what’s on hand, making it a flexible and convenient recipe to customize to personal preferences.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: Can be prepared in advance and frozen for future quick and easy meals, ideal for busy schedules and meal planning.

Why You’ll Love This Lentil Pasta Soup: Hearty and Delicious Recipe Recipe

• Hearty and Nourishing: This dish combines the heartiness of lentils with the comforting texture of pasta, making it a satisfying meal.
• Simple Weeknight Meal: Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is easy to make using pantry staples, saving you time and effort.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both adults and kids, this cozy dish is sure to become a go-to comfort food in your household.
• Homemade Taste: The addition of a swirl of good olive oil at the end adds a homemade touch, elevating the flavors of the dish.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by using different pasta shapes, adding vegetables, or incorporating herbs for a personal touch.
• Make Ahead and Freezer Friendly: Prepare in advance and store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
• Cultural Significance: A traditional Italian dish, pasta with lentils is a symbol of abundance and comfort, offering a taste of history and tradition in every bite.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with nutrients, this recipe is a wholesome option for refueling after a long day or a busy activity, ensuring you enjoy a nutritious meal.

Ingredients for Lentil Pasta Soup: Hearty and Delicious Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 1/4 cups short pasta shapes such as ditalini, elbows, orecchiette, or mezzi rigatoni
• 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 5 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth, plus additional as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 small onion, diced
• Fine salt, to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Pro Tips for Lentil Pasta Soup: Hearty and Delicious Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To enhance the flavor of the dish, consider adding diced carrots or celery for depth, or some baby spinach for extra greens. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can provide a burst of freshness, depending on the season.

Pro Tip 2: If you find the pasta and lentil mixture thickening too much as leftovers, simply add a splash of broth while reheating gently to bring it back to the desired consistency.

Pro Tip 3: For a vegan-friendly version, use vegetable broth and skip the parmesan. You can also experiment with plant-based cheese alternatives for added flavor.

How to Make Lentil Pasta Soup: Hearty and Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook and stir for 1 minute to release flavors.

Step 3: Simmer Lentils

Add rinsed lentils, ground cumin, tomato paste, broth, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.

Step 4: Season and Adjust

Sample the lentils and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if desired.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Cook short pasta in the pot over medium heat, stirring frequently, until al dente.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

If the mixture thickens too much, add more broth or water gradually until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Divide the soup into bowls, then top with a drizzle of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and garnish with grated parmesan cheese, chili flakes, or chopped parsley to taste.

Storage Tips

After preparing Pasta with Lentils Broth, it’s important to store any leftovers properly. Allow the dish to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. Store the containers in the refrigerator where the pasta and lentil mixture can be kept for up to four days. If the broth thickens too much upon reheating, simply add a splash of broth while gently heating it either on the stove or in the microwave. This dish reheats well and maintains its flavors nicely over a few days in the fridge.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Pasta with Lentils Broth. Cool the dish completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy the frozen meal, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it gently with a little water or broth to restore it to the desired consistency. This way, you can have a comforting and hearty meal ready to enjoy even on your busiest days.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, you can easily substitute them with one cup of canned diced tomatoes or add an extra spoonful of tomato paste for a similar flavor profile. Additionally, feel free to swap the short pasta shapes mentioned in the recipe with other sturdy varieties such as small shells or fusilli. Lentils du Puy can be used as an alternative, but keep in mind that they will provide a slightly firmer and earthier texture to the dish.

For those looking to add more depth to the dish, consider incorporating diced carrots or celery during the cooler months or tossing in some baby spinach at the end for added greens. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top for a burst of spring and summer freshness. To make this recipe vegan, use vegetable broth and omit the parmesan or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. Finally, for those using canned lentils, remember to adjust the simmering time since they are already cooked.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try garnishing your Pasta with Lentils Broth with a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt. The addition of these creamy elements will add a luxurious touch to the dish, balancing out the earthy flavors of the lentils and pasta beautifully.

Another fun idea is to serve the Pasta with Lentils Broth in individual bread bowls. Simply hollow out small round loaves of crusty bread, ladle the hearty pasta and lentil mixture into each bowl, and top with some grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This presentation not only looks impressive but also adds an extra layer of flavor and texture by incorporating the delicious bread into the meal.

FAQs for Lentil Pasta Soup: Hearty and Delicious Recipe

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils in this recipe?

Yes, canned lentils work—add them with the pasta and reduce simmering time since they’re already cooked.

Which types of short pasta shapes work best for this Pasta with Lentils Broth recipe?

Short varieties like ditalini, elbows, orecchiette, or mezzi rigatoni blend seamlessly with the lentils and broth.

If the broth thickens too much as it sits, how can I adjust the consistency?

Simply add more broth or water gradually while stirring until your desired thickness is reached.

What are some recommended toppings or garnishes to enhance the flavors of this dish?

A drizzle of olive oil, fresh black pepper, grated parmesan, chili flakes, and chopped parsley can enhance the flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pasta with Lentils Broth is not just a recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl that brings families together around the dinner table. The simplicity and heartiness of this dish make it a perfect go-to for those busy weeknights when you need something nourishing and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal or a satisfying lunch, this recipe is sure to hit the spot every time.

So next time you find yourself craving a bowl of something wholesome and satisfying, remember that Pasta with Lentils Broth is just a pot away. With its humble ingredients and rich flavors, this dish is a true celebration of the joys of home cooking. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and let the magic of lentils and pasta simmering together elevate your dining experience to a whole new level.

Lentil Pasta Soup: Hearty and Delicious Recipe

Hearty Pasta with Lentils Broth: A comforting dish combining tender lentils, savory pasta, and a flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

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Prep Time10 min

Cook Time35 min

Total Time45 min

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 1/4 cups short pasta shapes such as ditalini, elbows, orecchiette, or mezzi rigatoni
• 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 5 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth, plus additional as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 small onion, diced
• Fine salt, to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook and stir for 1 minute to release flavors.
3. Simmer Lentils: Add rinsed lentils, ground cumin, tomato paste, broth, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Season and Adjust: Sample the lentils and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if desired.
5. Cook Pasta: Cook short pasta in the pot over medium heat, stirring frequently, until al dente.
6. Adjust Consistency: If the mixture thickens too much, add more broth or water gradually until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
7. Finish and Serve: Divide the soup into bowls, then top with a drizzle of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and garnish with grated parmesan cheese, chili flakes, or chopped parsley to taste.