Easy Healthy Spaghetti with Lentils
Easy healthy spaghetti is a satisfying meal that’s quick to make. After making this many times, I know the secret to perfect texture. Crispy edges and creamy sauce make this recipe unforgettable. Try it with our Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad and Crispy Basil Chicken Cutlets.
Why This Easy Healthy Spaghetti with Lentils Is Pure Comfort
- Quick and easy to make
- Packed with protein
- Tastes like a restaurant dish
- Perfect for healthy eating
What You'll Need for Easy Healthy Spaghetti with Lentils
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Chopped fresh basil
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Red lentils: Rinse well to remove any debris before cooking.
- Marinara sauce: Use a high-quality jarred sauce for best results.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick skillet — Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking → See on Amazon
- Ladle — Helps serve sauces and soups evenly → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Healthy Spaghetti with Lentils
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the lentils: In a large skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the lentils and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toss everything together: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the lentils and sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Divide the spaghetti into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Healthy Spaghetti with Lentils
- Cooking technique: Use a large pot to cook the pasta to prevent it from sticking.
- Common mistake and fix: If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or broth to loosen it.
- Meal prep: You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
Storing & Reheating Easy Healthy Spaghetti with Lentils
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Make the lentil sauce up to 3 days in advance.
Freezing Easy Healthy Spaghetti with Lentils
Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish for 2–3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried works in a pinch.
- Best substitution: If you don't have lentils, substitute with chickpeas or black beans.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Scaling: Double or triple the recipe for larger portions.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it longer to thicken.
Want to level up this recipe?
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Easy Healthy Spaghetti with Lentils
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Seasonings
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the lentils: In a large skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the lentils and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toss everything together: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the lentils and sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Divide the spaghetti into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried works in a pinch.
- Best substitution: If you don't have lentils, substitute with chickpeas or black beans.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Scaling: Double or triple the recipe for larger portions.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it longer to thicken.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish for 2–3 minutes.
- Make ahead: Make the lentil sauce up to 3 days in advance.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 46g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sat. Fat: 1g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Healthy Spaghetti with Lentils FAQs
Yes, the lentil sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water or broth to loosen it. Toss the pasta well with the sauce to ensure even coating.
Yes, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a dollop of cream of mushroom soup for extra depth and richness.
No, this recipe is best made on the stovetop. The air fryer is not suitable for cooking pasta.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Healthy Spaghetti with Lentils and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
