Creamy Lemon Lentil Pasta

Name: Creamy Lemon Lentil Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 300g pasta (penne or fusilli); 200g cooked lentils (rinse if canned); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Daily Kitchen

I love creating dishes that are both comforting and nutritious, and that's exactly what this Creamy Lemon Lentil Pasta brings to the table. With its rich and creamy sauce elevated by a zesty lemon flavor, this dish is a delightful way to make lentils shine. The combination of ingredients is not only quick to prepare but also packed with protein and fiber. It's one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights or when I'm craving a bowl of wholesome goodness.

Created by

Rhiannon Sutherland

Last updated on 2026-01-15T19:49:43.889Z

When I first experimented with this Creamy Lemon Lentil Pasta, I was amazed by how a few simple ingredients could come together to create something so flavorful. The key to achieving that creamy consistency lies in blending cooked lentils with a splash of pasta water and lemon juice. It's like magic, transforming humble lentils into a luscious sauce that hugs each strand of pasta.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily add seasonal veggies to enhance the dish. I often throw in some sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition. It’s not just a meal; it’s a canvas for creativity!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Zesty lemon flavor that brightens each bite
Creamy texture that pairs perfectly with pasta
Nutritious lentils make this dish hearty and filling

      

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this dish relies heavily on the flavorful combination of sautéed onions and garlic. I recommend keeping the heat at medium to gently soften the onions without browning them, which allows for a sweeter, more aromatic flavor base. Properly sautéed aromatics will become a soft, golden mixture that elevates the entire dish by bringing depth to the creamy lentils and lemon zest.

Using freshly grated lemon zest adds a bright, tangy note that transforms the dish. If you don't have fresh lemons handy, you can use a small amount of bottled lemon zest, but the flavor will be less vibrant. The acidity from the lemon juice balances the creaminess, so adjust the amount based on your taste—start with the juice of half a lemon and add more gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.

Getting the Right Pasta Texture

Choosing the right pasta not only influences the dish's taste but also its texture. Penne or fusilli are ideal because their shapes hold the creamy sauce exceptionally well. When boiling the pasta, be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time; a slight undercooking—about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions—will ensure the pasta remains al dente and better absorbs the sauce’s flavors when combined.

To prevent the pasta from sticking together after draining, toss it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil. This simple step ensures each piece remains separate and coated evenly with the creamy sauce when combined. If you plan to store leftovers, be mindful that pasta can become mushy; reheating with a splash of water in the pan can help restore its original texture.

Ingredients

For the pasta

300g pasta (penne or fusilli)
200g cooked lentils (rinse if canned)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water for the sauce.

Instructions

Steps

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce

Add the cooked lentils, lemon zest, and juice to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is achieved. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.

Serve

Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy your delicious Creamy Lemon Lentil Pasta!

Pair with a side salad for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

For a creamy vegan version, use cashew cream in place of the olive oil when making the sauce for extra richness.

Variations and Additions

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Sauté these veggies along with the onions and garlic to maintain their freshness. You can also add a handful of spinach after the sauce is mixed in, as it wilts quickly and incorporates seamlessly into the dish, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.

For a hint of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. This will give the dish a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy lemon sauce. If you're looking to switch up the protein, cooked chicken or shrimp can complement the dish nicely while keeping it hearty.

Storage Tips

This Creamy Lemon Lentil Pasta can be easily stored for meal prep or leftovers. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce if it thickens.

If you're considering making it ahead, I recommend preparing the sauce and pasta separately. The pasta can be cooked and tossed with a little olive oil, while the sauce can be stored in the fridge. Combine them just before serving to keep the pasta from becoming overly soggy and to maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape you prefer will work well with this sauce.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes are great additions.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.