This hearty and protein-packed red lentil pasta sauce is a perfect 30-minute weeknight meal for pasta lovers. It's healthy, flavorful, and made with mostly pantry staples. The rich tomato base combined with the earthiness of red lentils creates a satisfying and nutritious sauce that can be paired with any pasta of your choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This red lentil pasta sauce is more than just a flavorful dinner option—it's a powerhouse of nutrition. Red lentils add a boost of protein and fiber, making this sauce a filling and heart-healthy choice. It's a versatile recipe that works with both traditional pasta and gluten-free alternatives, and it can even be made vegan or vegetarian, depending on your dietary preferences. Plus, the ingredients are simple, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry. It's an easy, quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons red wine (optional)
1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
15-ounce can tomato sauce
15-ounce can diced tomatoes with juices
1½ cups vegetable broth
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and red pepper flakes, to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Tomato Paste and Herbs: Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the herbs to become fragrant.
Deglaze with Red Wine (Optional): Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Lentils and Tomatoes: Add the rinsed red lentils, nutritional yeast, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed some of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add more broth if a thinner consistency is desired.
Season and Add Basil: Once the lentils are cooked, season the sauce with salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir in the fresh chopped basil.
Serve: Serve the red lentil sauce over your choice of cooked pasta. Garnish with additional fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can boost the nutrition of this sauce by adding more vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or spinach. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic to enhance the flavor.
Spicy Version: For a spicier twist, add chopped jalapeños or red chili peppers along with the garlic.
Non-Alcoholic Option: If you prefer to skip the wine, replace it with extra vegetable broth or water.
Cheese Option: If you're not vegan, you can stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?

While red lentils work best for this sauce due to their quick cooking time and texture, you can use green or brown lentils as a substitute. However, they may require a longer cooking time.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Pair it with your favorite gluten-free pasta for a complete meal.

3. Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

4. Is there a substitute for nutritional yeast?

If you don't have nutritional yeast, you can omit it or substitute with grated Parmesan cheese (if not vegan) for a cheesy flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe without tomato paste?

You can skip the tomato paste, but it adds richness and depth to the sauce. If you skip it, you might want to use a little more tomato sauce or diced tomatoes to maintain the consistency.

6. How can I make this sauce spicier?

To make the sauce spicier, simply add red pepper flakes, fresh chili peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to taste.

7. Can I add meat to this sauce?

Yes, if you’re not vegetarian or vegan, you can add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the sauce for a heartier meal.

8. What kind of pasta should I use?

This red lentil pasta sauce pairs well with any pasta type, including spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta.

9. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you'll need to peel and chop them, and the sauce might require a bit more cooking time to achieve the right consistency.

10. How can I make this sauce creamier?

To make the sauce creamier, you can stir in a splash of coconut milk, cashew cream, or a dollop of non-dairy yogurt for a richer texture.

Conclusion

This red lentil pasta sauce is a perfect blend of healthy ingredients and delicious flavors. It’s quick, easy, and full of protein, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal. With its versatility and simple ingredients, it's a recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're cooking for a family or just yourself, this pasta sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.