Lentil Penne with Tomato Sauce & Garlic Bread
Italian-inspired, protein-packed vegetarian dinner featuring al dente lentil pasta in a bright tomato sauce, plus a crisp garlic bread side. The dish blends hearty texture with pantry-friendly ingredients and a quick garlic-butter finish for 1 person.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
Servings:
2 servings
(originally 6 servings)Ingredients(scaled)
- ⅔ oz dry lentil penne (or 2 oz dried penne + 1/3 cup cooked lentils)
- ⅓ cup water or vegetable stock (for cooking pasta, if using dry lentil penne)
- ⅙ cup canned crushed tomatoes
- ⅛ cup onion, finely chopped
- ⅓ clove garlic, minced
- ⅙ tbsp olive oil
- ⅛ tsp dried oregano
- ⅛ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ⅓ slice loaf bread (for garlic bread), about 1 inch thick
- ⅓ tbsp butter
- ⅓ small clove garlic, minced (for garlic butter)
- Parsley or grated parmesan (optional) for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: if using dried lentil penne, simmer in salted water 9-11 minutes until al dente; drain. If using mix of lentils, heat 1 cup water/stock, add lentils and simmer 5 minutes, then add pasta and cook until ready.
- Sauce base: heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium; sauté onion 3–4 minutes until translucent, add garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Tomato sauce: stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil; simmer 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: toss drained pasta with sauce; stir in a few tablespoons of pasta water if needed to loosen; finish with a light bloom of olive oil if desired.
- Garlic bread: mix softened butter with minced garlic; spread on bread slice, toast in skillet or oven 5–7 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Plate: top pasta with optional parsley or parmesan; serve with warm garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.
- Flavor upgrade: finish pasta with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes for brightness and a little zing.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Use canned lentils or pre-cooked lentils to boost protein without extra cooking.
- Reserve a splash of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Toast garlic bread in a skillet for extra crunch and golden edges.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for added color and nutrition; a light dessert like fruit cuts keeps the meal balanced.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
Nutritional Estimates
Per serving · 2 servings total
| calories | 520 |
|---|---|
| protein | 24 |
| carbs | 78 |
| fat | 14 |
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