Red Lentil Pasta Sauce

Name: Red Lentil Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup dried red lentils (rinsed well); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 1 medium carrot (diced); 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 14-oz can crushed tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup heavy cream; ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, plus more for serving); 12 ounces rigatoni pasta; Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

Prep:10minCook:30min

A silky, protein-packed red lentil pasta sauce made with blended red lentils and warm spices — ready in one pan in 40 minutes and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Updated at: Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:35:31 GMT