Cheesy Lentil Pasta

Cheesy lentil pasta is a super frugal pantry meal made with staples like lentils, pasta, canned tomatoes, and taco seasoning. So flavorful and satisfying, you won’t even miss the meat!

One of the easiest substitutions to make when you’re trying to spend less money, stretch a meal, or simply make do with what you have is swapping lentils for ground beef.

They’re the perfect plant-based protein! I’ve made Marinated Lentils with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, I’ve used them in Vegetarian Chili, and I’ve paired them with loads of veggies in my Red Lentil Vegetable Soup!

So, with half a pound of lentils hanging out in my pantry, I was curious how they’d do as a meat replacement in my real food rendition of a classic cheeseburger helper recipe…

And just like that, my cheesy lentil pasta recipe was born. It tastes so great that we devoured it for dinner, and then again the next day for lunch!

This cheesy lentil and pasta macaroni is SO perfect for a fast, frugal, and TASTY weeknight meal. I just know you will love it too!

CHEESY LENTIL PASTA RECIPE

Not only is this protein-packed cheesy lentil pasta recipe a perfect frugal “pantry meal,” it’s also great because it’s:

• Customizable and versatile. Nearly any variety of lentil can be used instead of green lentils. Or use tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes. Really, this pantry recipe uses what you have on hand!
• Super cheap! Your budget will benefit from inexpensive meatless meals like this.
• Simple ingredients. Real food meals are better for you and are typically less expensive than processed store-bought versions.
• Gluten-free friendly. Use gluten free pasta or bean pasta for an amazing gluten-free lentils and pasta dish.
• Vegetarian and vegan friendly. This is one of my favorite easy meals for vegans. Use any vegan cheese (vegan parmesan would be great) and vegetable broth rather than chicken stock.
• So yummy, you won’t even miss the meat!

INGREDIENTS FOR CHEESY LENTILS AND PASTA

A handful of simple ingredients means the lentil pasta is ready fast! You’ll need:

• Lentils. I used green lentils, but you can use any that you have on hand. Brown, green, or French green lentils should all work. Yellow lentils and red lentils cook faster and have a different texture, so adjust your cooking time if you use those types.
• Homemade Chicken Stock. Use vegetable stock for vegetarian lentil noodles.
• Taco Seasoning. I use Homemade Taco Seasoning OR you can use a mixture of the following spices…
  • Cumin
  • Chili Powder (optional)
  • Black Pepper
  • Salt
  • Onion Powder
  • Garlic Powder
• Diced Tomatoes. No need to drain these first – include the juices!
• Whole Wheat Pasta. I like elbow macaroni for this, but any small pasta works. Or use gluten free pasta!
• Fresh or Frozen Mixed Vegetables. These are technically optional, but for a one-pot dinner, I like to include the veggies. We almost always have celery and carrots on hand, but broccoli florets and stems, corn, peas, green beans, and zucchini would all work well. Or keep it super simple with a bag of frozen mixed veggies!
• Shredded Cheese. I’ve tested with cheddar and Monterey Jack. Parmesan cheese would be good too!

INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO MAKE CHEESY LENTIL AND PASTA DISH

Step 1. In a large pot, combine lentils, chicken stock, and taco seasoning or spices. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat and cook the lentils for 30 minutes.

Step 2. Add the remaining ingredients, cover, reduce heat, and cook on low for 10-15 minutes until the pasta is tender. (Stir occasionally, if needed, to ensure the noodles are nearly submerged in liquid.)

Step 3. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of cheese. Serve immediately and sprinkle with additional cheese.

Store leftover cheesy lentil pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

CHEESY LENTIL NOODLES TIPS

• Prep ahead. This meal is very much hands-off, but if you REALLY want to cut back on time, make a big batch of lentils ahead of time (I like to use the Instant Pot). Use 2 cups of cooked lentils, reduce the liquid to 1 ½ cups, and start the recipe at step #2.
• Cheeseburger lentil pasta. If you want your lentil noodles to be more like a conventional “cheeseburger helper,” use tomato sauce in place of diced tomatoes and add another cup of shredded cheese.
• Vegetarian/vegan. Use vegetable stock in place of chicken stock, omit cheese.
• Gluten-free/Grain-free: Use gluten-free pasta, or even rice in place of traditional pasta.
• To make this the MOST frugal lentil and pasta dish, I use:
  • These lentils, which I buy in bulk
  • Homemade Taco Seasoning
  • Homemade Chicken Stock
  • I buy my cheese in a block and shred it myself
  • And if the season produces well, I use home-canned diced tomatoes

PROTEIN IN LENTIL PASTA RECIPE

When most people think of protein, they typically think of meat. But that’s not the only source!

Lentils are a great option for a meatless meal – you’ll get 18 grams of protein in one cup of cooked lentils (so about 9g per serving in this recipe). You’ll also get some protein in this meal from the chicken broth, veggies, and cheese. Those smaller amounts add up!

To add even more protein to lentil pasta, try the following:

• Add higher-protein veggies, like peas, mushrooms, or spinach
• Use protein pasta
• Add another cooked bean, like cannellini beans or red kidney beans
• Stir in a cup of cottage cheese at the end of the cooking time for extra creaminess and added protein and flavors
• And you can always add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to the red lentil pasta recipe if you want to boost the protein even more

CHEESY LENTIL PASTA FAQS

MORE QUICK VEGETARIAN DINNER RECIPES

• White Bean and Kale Soup
• Slow Cooker Meatless Lasagna
• Skillet Pizza Veggie Pasta
• Easy Baked Ziti
• Creamy Mushroom Pasta
• Weeknight Vegetable Stir-Fry

WATCH HOW TO MAKE CHEESY LENTIL PASTA