Lentil Bolognese Pasta Recipe

Name: Lentil Bolognese Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed; 2 dried bay leaves; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 small carrots, chopped; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes; 1.5 cups dry red wine; 1 tablespoon Cento vegetable paste; 2 16-ounce diced tomatoes; salt and pepper; 1 pound whole wheat penne rigate

Servings: persons

1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
2 dried bay leaves
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 small carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1.5 cups dry red wine
1 tablespoon Cento vegetable paste
2 16-ounce diced tomatoes
salt and pepper
1 pound whole wheat penne rigate

1
In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and add the lentils, one dried bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. Cook until slightly tender and set aside.
2
In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil to cover the pot. Add the onion, carrot, celery and cook until the vegetables soften and the onions turn golden.
3
Add in the minced garlic, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly.
4
Add in the wine and cook until most of the liquid evaporates.
5
Add vegetable paste, cooked lentils, and diced tomatoes. Add water, 1/2 cup at a time, if the sauce starts to dry out. The final sauce should be moist but not soupy. Cook for at least an hour over low heat.
6
In another medium pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package directions (usually 11-13 minutes). Drain once cooked.
7
Serve the pasta warm with the lentil sauce and garnish with more dried herbs, if desired. The sauce can be stored in a freezer for later use. Please do not freeze the cooked pasta though.

349

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed, 2 dried bay leaves, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion, chopped, and more.

Yes, Lentil Bolognese Pasta falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Lentil Bolognese Pasta

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions