Pasta Shells with Lentils and Spinach
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this delightful recipe for Pasta Shells with Lentils and Spinach—an effortless, nutritious meal packed with bold flavors and vibrant colors. Tender pasta shells are tossed with protein-rich lentils, fresh baby spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a fragrant garlic and red pepper flake-infused olive oil sauce. A splash of vegetable broth ensures a silky, light coating, while optional Parmesan cheese adds a savory finishing touch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this vegetarian pasta dish is perfect for busy schedules, offering a hearty yet wholesome meal the whole family will enjoy. Keywords: pasta shells recipe, lentils and spinach pasta, healthy vegetarian dinner, quick 30-minute pasta dish, easy weeknight meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams medium pasta shells
- 200 grams cooked lentils
- 100 grams fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 150 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100 milliliters vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and start to release their juices.
Stir in the cooked lentils and vegetable broth. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
Add the fresh spinach to the pan and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to combine and ensure the pasta is coated evenly in the sauce.
Remove the pan from heat and divide the pasta among serving plates.
If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1684 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.3 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.4 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3584 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 244.0 g | 89% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.0 g | 107% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.2 g | ||
| Protein | 74.6 g | 149% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 779 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 14.4 mg | 80% | |
| Potassium | 2228 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
