Print

Creamy One-Pot Lentil Pasta with Spinach

creamy one-pot lentil pasta with spinach - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, easy, and nutritious one-pot meal featuring creamy lentil pasta and fresh spinach, perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting dish is packed with protein and greens without any heavy cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) lentil pasta
  • 4 cups (about 120 grams) fresh spinach (baby spinach preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened plant-based milk (oat milk recommended)
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: mince garlic, finely chop onion, rinse spinach, and measure lentil pasta.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and plant-based milk, bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add lentil pasta to the simmering liquid, stir to prevent clumping, reduce heat to maintain gentle simmer.
  6. Cover skillet with lid and cook pasta for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid absorbed. Add more broth or water if it looks dry before fully cooked.
  7. Stir in fresh spinach and allow it to wilt into the sauce.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add Parmesan cheese if using and mix until creamy.
  9. Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  10. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Stir regularly while cooking to prevent sticking and clumping. Adjust liquid as needed depending on pasta brand. Use fresh spinach for best texture. Nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavor without dairy. For vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator; reheat gently with added broth or water to loosen sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot meal, lentil pasta, spinach, healthy dinner, creamy pasta, vegetarian, gluten-free, plant-based

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-one-pot-lentil-pasta-with-spinach-easy-healthy-dinner-recipe/