Hearty Lentil And Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

About this recipe

Hearty Lentil and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines the earthy richness of lentils with the tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe balances bold flavors and nutrition beautifully. The lentils provide a powerhouse of protein, while fresh basil and olive oil create a fragrant, vibrant sauce. Gluten-free penne absorbs all the goodness, making it ideal for those seeking a wholesome yet indulgent meal. With a prep and cook time of just 35 minutes, this vegetarian recipe is perfect for busy evenings. Serve it warm, and let the flavors transport you to the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

• 100 G Jumbo Garlic 100g
• 100G Heera Black Pepper Powder 100g
• 50G Heera Crushed Chilli 50g
• - Potts Vegetable Stock Can
• 300G Rummo Gluten Free Lentil Pennette Rigate, 300G
• 190G Sundried Tomatoes In Oil, 190G
• 400G Greenfield Himalayan Salt Fine 400G
• NaN Trs Lentils Red (Masoor Dall)
• 1 Lemon - 1 Each
• 1 Onion Large 1 Each
• 250G Holland & Barrett Nutritional Yeast Flakes
• 500 ml Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500 Ml
• 50 g Picard Chopped Frozen Basil 50g

Instructions

1. 1. Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water and set aside.
2. 2. Cook the gluten-free lentil penne in salted boiling water as per packet instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. 3. Finely chop the onion and garlic and roughly chop the drained sun-dried tomatoes while heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. 4. Sauté the onion and garlic in the hot olive oil for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. 5. Add the rinsed lentils to the skillet and pour in 500 ml of vegetable stock, stirring gently to combine.
6. 6. Cook the lentils for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and the liquid has reduced slightly.
7. 7. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, nutritional yeast flakes, chilli flakes, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
8. 8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the lentil and tomato mixture.
9. 9. Sprinkle in the chopped basil, followed by the juice of half a lemon.
10. 10. Gently mix everything together and allow to heat through for another 2 minutes before removing from the heat.
11. 11. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
12. 12. Serve the hearty pasta warm in bowls, garnished with a little extra basil.

How to make Hearty Lentil And Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

1. Rinse lentils, cook pasta. Rinse the red lentils under cold water. Cook the penne in salted boiling water following the packet instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic. Finely chop the onion, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes while heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Simmer the lentils. Add the lentils and vegetable stock and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly reduced. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, nutritional yeast, chilli flakes, salt and black pepper.
4. Toss with the pasta. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, scatter over torn basil and the lemon juice, then mix and heat through for another 2 minutes before taking off the heat.
5. Season and serve. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, then serve warm in bowls garnished with extra basil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Lentil and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta take?

About 35 minutes: 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking for the pasta and lentil sauce.

Is Hearty Lentil and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. Red lentils, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and basil make a hearty sauce for the penne.

Can I use regular penne instead of lentil pasta?

Yes, standard durum wheat penne works fine. Cook it as the packet directs and save a splash of the pasta water to loosen the sauce.

How do I stop red lentils turning the sauce to mush?

Simmer them just until tender and take the pan off the heat while they still hold a little shape. They keep softening as they sit in the hot sauce.

How can I make the lentil pasta richer?

Stir in a drizzle of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar and a handful of grated hard cheese. A splash of pasta water helps it turn glossy.