Description
Quick and healthy Lentil Pasta with Veggies recipe, combining protein-rich lentil pasta with fresh colorful vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights, this nutritious and flavorful dish is easy to prepare and suitable for gluten-free and vegan diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz lentil pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or vegan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lentil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water for later use.
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add diced bell peppers and zucchini, cooking for 4-5 minutes until just tender.
- Add Tomatoes and Greens: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices. Add fresh spinach or kale, stirring until wilted and vibrant.
- Combine Pasta and Veggies: Transfer the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and create a light sauce.
- Season and Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or vegan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Choose good-quality lentil pasta for better texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta or vegetables to keep a crisp-tender texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency without adding extra fat.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Chop vegetables ahead of time to speed up cooking on busy nights.
- Swap vegetables based on availability or preference like mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus.
- Add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to boost the meal.
- Omit or use dairy-free cheese to make the recipe vegan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: lentil pasta, healthy dinner, quick recipe, gluten free, vegan pasta, weeknight meal, protein rich pasta, vegetable pasta
