This is a variation of our healthy whole grain pasta base recipe. If you’re looking for an easy, satisfying meal with a nutritious boost, this lentil spaghetti is a must-try. Lentils add a hearty texture and earthy flavor while keeping the dish balanced and packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginner cooks yet delicious enough to impress guests!
Must-Know Cooking Skills to Level Up your Kitchen Game
To make this recipe even faster, check out these how to videos to master the basics:
Learn how to slice and dice like a pro in our Knife Skills 101 course!
Culinary Tips for the Best Lentil Spaghetti
Cooking lentils properly ensures they stay tender but not mushy. Be sure to simmer them gently and check for doneness around the 20 minute mark.
For the best pasta texture, cook until al dente—firm to the bite but not overcooked.
Reserve some pasta water before draining! A splash of this starchy liquid helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
● Lentils: French green or brown lentils hold their shape best. Avoid red lentils, as they break down too much.
● Whole Grain Spaghetti: Substitute any pasta shape or use a gluten-free variety.
● Marinara Sauce: Make our homemade sauce for the best pasta. Store-bought options with simple ingredients and minimal added sugar can also work in a pinch.
● Garlic: Fresh is best, but ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic can be used.
● Bay Leaf: Adds depth to the lentils but can be omitted if unavailable.
● Garnishes: Parmesan cheese and fresh basil add great flavor, but nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese work as plant-based alternatives.
We like to buy our herbs and spices from the Spice House. They have great quality, variety, and flavor!
Recipe Variations: Make It Your Own!
Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
Boost the protein with cooked ground turkey or grass fed beef if desired.
Want some pasta inspiration?
Use our base recipe as a guide, check out our variations, and then create a recipe to YOUR taste!
Equipment Recommendations: The Essentials
You just need a few basic tools for this recipe. Here’s your shopping list:
- Small Saucepan – for cooking lentils.
- Large Stockpot – for boiling pasta.
- Colander – to drain pasta efficiently.
- Large Skillet or Saucepan – to heat the sauce and combine ingredients.
- Tongs – for tossing the pasta in the sauce
Want to level up your kitchen game? Check out our Essential Equipment Guide for all the must-have tools!
Health Benefits of Lentil Spaghetti
This recipe is loaded with nutrients, fiber, and plant-based protein. It’s a well-balanced meal that keeps you full and energized.
Lentils
Lentils are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like folate, iron, and magnesium. Lentils and beans play a significant role in longevity diets around the world.
Whole Grain Pasta
Whole grains are a good source of fiber, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Compared to regular white pasta, whole grain pasta has more than double the amount of fiber! Fiber is important for digestion, satiety, stable blood sugar, good cholesterol, and healthy gut bacteria. Phytonutrients work as antioxidants to help fight off diseases and keep us well.
Marinara Sauce
Tomatoes are the main ingredient in marinara sauce. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a phytonutrient that helps protect against heart disease and prostate cancer. Canned and/or cooked tomatoes are higher in lycopene than fresh.
If you choose to make our classic marinara sauce, know that it is bursting with other nutrient-dense vegetables: onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and herbs. Together, these ingredients provide essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that promote health and longevity.
Dive into our ingredient guide to discover the freshest, tastiest picks for all your recipes—because great ingredients make all the difference! 🌟🍎
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lentil spaghetti with a side salad drizzled in homemade vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-balanced Whole Life Plate.
Learn how to build a healthy balanced meal with our Whole Life Plate, meal plan, and book!
Storage & Reheat Tips
Cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce.
Want More Delicious Lentil Recipes?
Try out these favorites:
● Lentil Meatballs
● Vegetarian Lentil Burgers
● Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Share the Love – Leave Us a Review!
Unlike many other recipe blogs, we encourage you to tweak our recipes to suit your taste. Try it out, leave us a review, and tell us what changes you made! We love hearing how you make it your own.
FAQ Questions:
What type of lentils are best for lentil spaghetti?
French green or brown lentils work best because they hold their shape after cooking and provide a hearty texture. Red lentils are not recommended because they tend to break down and become soft.
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?
Can I use regular pasta instead of whole grain spaghetti?
Absolutely. You can substitute regular spaghetti or another pasta shape. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Is lentil spaghetti vegan?
The base recipe is vegan if you use a vegan marinara sauce and skip the Parmesan garnish. Nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese can be used instead for a plant-based topping.
How do I keep the lentils from becoming mushy?
Simmer the lentils gently and begin checking them for doneness around 20 minutes. They should be tender but still hold their shape. Avoid overcooking them, especially if you want a hearty texture in the finished pasta.
Lentil Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup dry lentils (French green or brown lentils)
- 1 large garlic clove, peeled and crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cup water
- 8 oz whole grain spaghetti
- 1 ½ cup marinara sauce
Recommended garnishes:
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a small saucepan, combine the lentils, bay leaf, garlic clove, salt, and water. Bring to a boil, then partially cover and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain lentils of any excess liquid and discard the bay leaf and garlic clove.
- While the lentils are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, warm the marinara sauce over medium low heat. Stir in the cooked lentils and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and/or fresh basil. Enjoy!
This Post Has 2 Comments
Absolutely loved this lentil spaghetti it’s hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a cozy dinner! The lentils give such great texture, and the whole grain pasta combined with marinara is delicious. Will definitely make again!
Glad you enjoyed it!