Mushroom & Lentil Pasta 🍄🫘🌿🍝 Savory, Earthy, and Protein-Rich With Deep Umami in Every Bite

This dish brings the depth of a Bolognese with none of the meat — mushrooms and lentils simmered into a thick, garlicky, tomato-rich sauce that clings to every noodle. It’s satisfying, rustic, and packed with plant-based protein and flavor.

Cozy, nutrient-dense, and pantry-ready.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the pasta

• 12 oz rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼–½ cup reserved pasta water

For the mushroom-lentil sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini, button, or a mix)
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¾ cup cooked green or brown lentils (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• Optional: splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for depth

To finish

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil
• Grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
• Olive oil drizzle or chili flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta until al dente in salted water. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, mushrooms, herbs, and paprika. Sauté 7–8 minutes until mushrooms are deeply browned and moisture has cooked off.

Step 3: Build the sauce
Add lentils, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes. Stir and bring to a low simmer. Add a splash of water or wine if needed. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Season to taste.

Step 4: Toss and finish
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss. Loosen with pasta water as needed. Stir in herbs, cheese or nutritional yeast, and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Serve hot
Top with extra herbs, a drizzle of oil, and chili flakes if desired.

Flavor Variations

• Use red lentils for a softer, more blended texture
• Add chopped carrots or celery for a ragu-style base
• Stir in spinach or kale at the end for greens
• Use coconut milk or cashew cream for added richness
• Finish with lemon zest or a spoon of pesto for brightness

Pro Tips

• Chop mushrooms finely so they mimic ground meat texture
• Cook mushrooms long enough to drive off moisture and concentrate flavor
• Lentils can be pre-cooked or canned — keep texture firm
• Tomato paste adds richness — don’t skip it
• Add pasta water gradually to emulsify and gloss the sauce

Final Thoughts

Mushroom & Lentil Pasta is rustic, hearty, and full of slow-cooked flavor — without the wait or the meat. It’s a pantry-powered favorite that delivers on comfort and nourishment, all in one saucy bowl.

Brown it. Simmer it. Let the lentils do the heavy lifting. 🍄🫘🌿🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.