Tomato Spinach Lentil Pasta
Tender lentils thicken tomato sauce for a filling spinach pasta. Cook the lentils separately so their tenderness is easy to control.
Serves: 4 | Estimated total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dry brown or green lentils, sorted and rinsed
- 8 ounces whole-wheat penne
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
- Optional: grated Parmesan for serving
How to make it
- Simmer lentils in a pot of water for 20–30 minutes until tender; drain. Add more time if needed for older lentils.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion 7 minutes, add garlic and oregano for 30 seconds, then stir in tomatoes. Simmer gently 15 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water before draining.
- Stir cooked lentils and spinach into tomato sauce. Cook 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Add pasta, salt and pepper. Toss with a little reserved water to loosen the sauce and serve with optional Parmesan.
Helpful tips
Cook pasta just until tender because it will be tossed again in the sauce. Add reserved water a tablespoon at a time.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate perishable leftovers in shallow covered containers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 90°F. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below and use within 3–4 days. For dishes served hot, reheat leftovers to 165°F throughout. Keep bread and crisp toppings separate until serving. See USDA leftover storage guidance.
Common question
Can I use canned lentils? Yes, replace dry lentils with about 2 cups drained cooked lentils and warm them in the sauce.
Keep your seasonings organized
Recipes like this put dried oregano into regular rotation. Give your jars a dedicated spot with the Spiceo four-piece wall-mounted spice rack set. Mounting hardware is included; jars and spices are not included.
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Recipe image is AI-generated for illustration. Results vary with ingredients and equipment; this recipe has not been kitchen-tested.