Cheesy Lentil Pasta Recipe (+ Video) - Don't Waste the Crumbs (2024)

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Cheesy Lentil Pasta Recipe (+ Video) - Don't Waste the Crumbs (1)

By Tiffany Published Last Updated: March 3, 2021 53 Comments

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Cheesy Lentil Pasta is the perfect, wholesome, real food dinner (made from the pantry) in less than 20 minutes and under $5. Serve with a fresh Kale Caesar Salad!

Cheesy Lentil Pasta Recipe (+ Video) - Don't Waste the Crumbs (2)

One of the easiest substitutions to make when you’re trying to spend less money, stretch a meal, or simply make do with what you have, is swapping lentils for ground beef.

They’re the perfect plant based protein! I’ve marinated them with sun-dried tomatoes, I’ve cooked them in the Instant Pot, and I’ve paired them with veggies in my red lentil soup!

So with 1/2lb of lentils hanging out in my pantry, I was curious how they’d do as a meat replacement in my real food rendition of a classic cheeseburger helper recipe…

Who knew that using lentils as a substitution for ground beef would work out so great!?!

My cheesy lentil pasta recipe was born. It tastes so great that we devoured it for dinner, and then again the next day for lunch!

Trust me, this cheesy lentil pasta recipe is SO perfect for a fast, frugal and TASTY weeknight meal.

I just know you will love this recipe!

Cheesy Lentil Pasta Recipe (+ Video) - Don't Waste the Crumbs (3)

Cheesy Lentil Pasta

Not only is this protein packed recipe a perfect frugal ‘pantry meal,’ it’s also great because it’s:

  • Customizable & versatile. Nearly any variety of lentil can be used instead of green lentils. Or use tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes. Really, this pantry recipe uses what you have on hand!
  • Gluten-free friendly! Use gluten free pasta or bean pasta for an amazing gluten free pasta dish.
  • Vegetarian & vegan friendly! This could be a perfect vegan meal. Use any vegan cheese (vegan parmesan would be great) and vegetable broth rather than chicken stock.

What are the ingredients for the best Cheesy Lentil Pasta?

  • Lentils (I used green lentils, but you can use any that you have on hand)
  • homemade chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegan)
  • taco seasoning (I use homemade taco seasoning) OR…
  • cumin
  • chili powder (optional)
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • onion powder
  • garlic powder
  • diced tomatoes, with juices
  • whole wheat pasta (or gluten free pasta)
  • fresh or frozen mixed vegetables
  • shredded cheese (I’ve tested with cheddar & Monterey Jack. Parmesan cheese would be good too!)
Cheesy Lentil Pasta Recipe (+ Video) - Don't Waste the Crumbs (4)

How do you make hearty lentil pasta from scratch?

  • In a large pot, combine lentils, chicken stock and taco seasoning or spices. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook lentils for 30 minutes.
  • Add remaining ingredients, cover, reduce heat, and cook on low for 10-15 minutes until the pasta is tender. (Stir occasionally, if needed, to ensure noodles are nearly submerged in liquid.)
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of cheese. Serve immediately and sprinkle with additional cheese.

Recipe Notes:

  • This meal is very much hands-off, but if you REALLY want to cut back on time, make a big batch of lentils ahead of time. Reduce the liquid to 1 1/2 cups and start the recipe at step #2.
  • If you want it to be more like a conventional “ cheeseburger helper,” use tomato sauce in place of diced tomatoes and add another cup of shredded cheese.
  • Vegetarian / vegan: Use vegetable stock in place of chicken stock, omit cheese.
  • Gluten-free/Grain-free: Use GF pasta, or even rice in place of traditional pasta.
Cheesy Lentil Pasta Recipe (+ Video) - Don't Waste the Crumbs (5)

Additional recipe tips for cheesy lentil pasta:

  • Having a meal stocked in the pantry will save you if scheduled dinner plans go awry. (Believe me I HAVE burned dinner on multiple occasions!)
  • Your budget will benefit from inexpensive meatless meals like this.
  • Real food meals are healthier for you and are typically less expensive than processed store-bought versions.
  • To save even more money on this meal, I use these lentils, homemade taco seasoning, homemade chicken stock, buy my cheese in a block, and if the season produces well home canned diced tomatoes.

More Amazing Meatless Meals

  • Savory Pasta with Bacon and Greens
  • White Bean and Kale Soup
  • Slow Cooker Meatless Lasagna
  • Skillet Pizza Veggie Pasta
  • Easy Baked Ziti

Cheesy Lentil Pasta Recipe (+ Video) - Don't Waste the Crumbs (6)

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Watch How to Make Cheesy Lentil Pasta

Cheesy Lentil Pasta

Cheesy Lentil Pasta Recipe (+ Video) - Don't Waste the Crumbs (7)
Print Recipe
★★★★★4.7 from 6 reviews

Cheesy Lentil Pasta is the perfect, wholesome, real food dinner (made from the pantry) in less than 20 minutes and under $5. Serve with a fresh Kale Caesar Salad!

  • Author: Tiffany
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Main Meals
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: American
  • 3/4 cup green lentils
  • 1 quart homemade chicken stock
  • 2 Tbsp taco seasoning

OR sub the following spices instead of taco seasoning mix

  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Plus

  • 1 15oz can of diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 2 cups small whole wheat pasta (i.e. macaroni or shells)
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese, divided (I’ve tested with cheddar and Monterey Jack)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, combine lentils, chicken stock and taco seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook lentils for 30 minutes.
  2. Add remaining ingredients, cover and cook on low for 10-15 minutes until the pasta is tender. (Stir occasionally, if needed, to ensure noodles are nearly submerged in liquid.)
  3. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of cheese. Serve immediately and sprinkle with additional cheese.

Notes

* This meal is very much hands-off, but if you REALLY want to cut back on time, make a big batch of lentils ahead of time. Reduce the liquid to 1 1/2 cups and start the recipe at step #2.
* If you want it to be more like a conventional “helper,” use tomato sauce in place of diced tomatoes and add another cup of shredded cheese.
* Vegetarian: Use vegetable stock in place of chicken stock, omit cheese.
* Gluten-free/Grain-free: Use GF pasta, or even rice in place of traditional pasta.

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53 Comments

  1. Cheesy Lentil Pasta Recipe (+ Video) - Don't Waste the Crumbs (12)Jenn

    So easy, filling, healthy, and delicious! My husband just told me “I can’t stop eating this!” as he went for seconds.

    Reply to this comment

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Cheesy Lentil Pasta Recipe (+ Video) - Don't Waste the Crumbs (2024)

FAQs

Cheesy Lentil Pasta Recipe (+ Video) - Don't Waste the Crumbs? ›

For example, lentil pasta is an excellent alternative to regular pasta because it's high in fiber and protein. Lentils are loaded with folate, iron, phosphorus and potassium. Lentil pasta is rich in fiber. Fiber intake helps reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Is lentil pasta better for you than regular pasta? ›

For example, lentil pasta is an excellent alternative to regular pasta because it's high in fiber and protein. Lentils are loaded with folate, iron, phosphorus and potassium. Lentil pasta is rich in fiber. Fiber intake helps reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Should you rinse lentil pasta? ›

Stays perfectly al dente even with extra cooking.

This does not starch over and become goopy like chickpea pasta. It is almost impossible to overcook so leave it sit in the pot with warm water an needs no rinse needed to remove starch.

Does lentil pasta get mushy? ›

Without the gluten, this pasta can and will get mushy and/or fall apart if overcooked. Remove the pasta from the heat once it's just reached al dente texture, with a slight bite but not too firm or soft. It will continue to cook slightly after drained.

Do lentils spike your blood sugar? ›

Even though pulses contain carbohydrates, they don't give sharp rises to blood glucose levels compared to other carbohydrate-containing foods. The make-up of the carbohydrates in pulses, the fibre content and the fact that they are high in protein slows down the breakdown of the carbohydrates into glucose in the blood.

Does lentil pasta raise blood sugar? ›

Alternatively, whole-grain pasta, and pasta made from lentils and beans, are good options for diabetics, because of the increased fiber and protein content. These types of pasta also have a lower glycemic index (40).

What happens if you forgot to rinse lentils? ›

You're fine to eat unrinsed lentils. The only real reason to rinse it to remove possible dirt, and perhaps a tad of starch.

Can you eat lentil pasta al dente? ›

This pasta was pretty good, it definitely had a different taste but the texture was the same as “regular” pasta. I cooked it for 8 minutes to have it al dente, and mixed it with a tomato sauce, white wine and basil and threw in some sausage.

Do you cook lentils like pasta? ›

Lentils aren't rice—they don't need to absorb every last drop of cooking liquid. They're more like pasta: best cooked in an abundance of water or stock. Bring your liquid up to a boil, add your lentils, then turn down your heat to a simmer for at least 25-30 minutes.

What is the healthiest pasta? ›

Whole-wheat pasta

Whole wheat pasta has a nuttier flavor and grainier texture than ordinary pasta, but when covered with sauce, it's just as delicious. Unlike typical pasta, whole-wheat pasta contains all three parts of the grain — the bran, endosperm and germ — which means it's less processed and more nutritious.

Is Barilla red lentil pasta healthy? ›

This pasta only has one ingredient and that is red lentil flour. It has a good amount of protein and fiber in the pasta as well making it a healthy option then regular pasta.

Can lentil pasta cause bloating? ›

Eating lentils can cause gas and bloating because they're high in fiber that your body is unable to break down. While fiber plays a large role in supporting and regulating your digestive system and bowel movements, it can also produce bacteria that leads to cramping and gas pains.

What happens if you don't soak lentils before cooking? ›

Here's why soaking lentils is important

Fact 1: Soaking lentils improves digestion and nutrition absorption as it can neutralise lectins and phytates present that may cause gas and bloating. Fact 2: Soaking lentils also reduces its cooking time.

Can I use red lentils instead of split red lentils? ›

Split and whole red lentils have basically the same cooking methods, but I find split red lentils to cook up a tiny bit quicker and turn out creamier. Whole and split red lentils can usually be used interchangeably unless a recipe specifies.

Why are my lentils still hard after cooking? ›

If you don't want dry, hard lentils, make sure to keep a little liquid in the pot! You can always add a little more if the water is evaporating faster than they cook. Skip the soak. Lentils definitely don't need any soaking before they're cooked.

What's the healthiest type of pasta? ›

Unlike typical pasta, whole-wheat pasta contains all three parts of the grain — the bran, endosperm and germ — which means it's less processed and more nutritious.

Which is healthier, chickpea or lentil pasta? ›

Although both red lentil and chickpea pasta are healthier alternatives to regular pasta, red lentil pasta has a slight advantage. Red lentil pasta contains a tad more fiber, is lower in calories, contains almost half the fat that chickpea pasta does, and contains less sodium.

How much sugar is in lentil pasta? ›

Ingredients:
NUTRITION VALUESUNITS (per )DAILY VALUE %
Sugar1N/A
Protein1313 %
Vitamin A0 %N/A
Vitamin C0 %N/A
15 more rows

Are lentils healthier than wheat? ›

Yes lentils are all around more nutritious than whole wheat. Lentils give a good amount of protein along with carbs (the good kind), vitamins and minerals that are needed in the everyday diet.

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