Pasta with Lentils and Goat Cheese

Savor the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication with this Pasta with Lentils and Goat Cheese recipe, a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta, earthy lentils, and creamy goat cheese for a satisfying meal. Infused with the richness of sautéed vegetables and a tangy tomato base, this dish is elevated by the subtle creaminess of melted goat cheese, creating a luscious sauce that pairs beautifully with every bite. Packed with protein and nutrients from lentils, and delicately seasoned with parsley, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, this recipe is both wholesome and indulgent. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time under an hour, this hearty pasta dish is a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner gathering. Top it off with crumbled goat cheese or grated Parmesan for an irresistible finishing touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz dry pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short variety)
• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and drain. Set them aside.

Step 2

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the garlic, carrot, and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

Add the lentils to the pan, along with the vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Season the lentil mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lentils. Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time and mix thoroughly to coat the pasta and create a silky sauce.

Step 9

Crumble the goat cheese into the skillet and stir until it starts to melt into the mixture. The goat cheese will add creaminess and tang to the dish.

Step 10

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and mix gently.

Step 11

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional goat cheese crumbles or grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2151.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2564.3

Total Fat 70.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 66.7mg	0%
Sodium 5722.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 390.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 47.7g	0%
Total Sugars 44.7g
Protein 107.6g	0%

Vitamin D 4IU	0%
Calcium 668.8mg	0%
Iron 19.1mg	0%
Potassium 4120.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.1%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 59.5%