Ingredients:
- 1 cup of dried pasta
- 1 can of lentils
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the dried pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Onion
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Lentils and Tomatoes
Open the can of lentils and drain them well. Add the lentils to the skillet with the garlic and onion mixture. Stir well to combine. Then, pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir.
Step 4: Simmer and Combine
Reduce the heat to low and let the lentil and tomato mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to combine.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the pasta and lentil mixture to serving plates. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired, and serve hot.
This easy recipe for pasta and canned lentils provides a nutritious and flavorful meal that can be prepared in a matter of minutes. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad or some crusty bread. Give it a try and let your taste buds be delighted by this simple yet delicious combination!