Last Updated on April 12, 2023 by naime

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious pasta recipe that’s easy to make, look no further than birds eye lentil zucchini pasta.

This dish is packed with protein from the lentils and plenty of veggies, making it a perfect option for anyone who wants to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor.

To prepare this dish, start by sautéing some garlic and onion in olive oil before adding in your sliced zucchini.

Once the zucchini has softened up, add in some canned diced tomatoes along with cooked lentils and seasonings like oregano and red pepper flakes.

Then simply toss the mixture with cooked spaghetti or other long noodles for a filling and satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful.

The Benefits Of Eating Lentil Zucchini Pasta

Have you ever tried lentil zucchini pasta? If not, you’re in for a treat. This delicious dish is packed with nutrients that can benefit your health in many ways.

Firstly, lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or build muscle. Additionally, they contain iron, which helps support the production of red blood cells and keeps energy levels high.

Zucchini, on the other hand, is low in calories but high in vitamins A and C as well as potassium. These nutrients help boost immunity and promote healthy skin and eyesight. Plus, its mild flavor pairs perfectly with the earthy taste of lentils.

Together, these two ingredients create a nutritious meal that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat. Keep reading to learn about the simple ingredients needed to whip up this delicious dish at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish

You’ll need lentils, zucchini, and pasta to make this dish, as well as vegetable broth, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, herbs, spices, parmesan cheese, lemon, parsley, and garlic powder.

These ingredients will give the dish a unique flavor, and the parmesan cheese and lemon will add a nice tang.

Don’t forget to season it with salt, pepper, and herbs or spices of your choice, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and garlic powder on top to finish it off.

Lentils

If you’re looking for a protein-packed ingredient to add to your birds eye lentil zucchini pasta, then look no further than lentils! Lentils are small legumes that come in different colors like brown, green, and red. They have been a staple food in many cultures for centuries due to their versatility, affordability, and nutritional value.

One of the best things about lentils is that they are an excellent source of plant-based protein. A cup of cooked lentils contains around 18 grams of protein, which is comparable to the amount found in meat but without the saturated fat and cholesterol. Moreover, lentils also provide fiber that helps promote good digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels.

In terms of cooking with lentils, they are incredibly easy to work with as they don’t require any pre-soaking or long hours of boiling. You can easily incorporate them into soups, stews, salads, burgers, and even pasta dishes like this one!

Just rinse them thoroughly before adding them to your recipe and let them cook until tender. With all these benefits combined with its delicious taste and texture, it’s no wonder why lentils continue to be a popular choice for home cooks everywhere.

Zucchini

Now, let’s talk about another key ingredient in this dish – zucchini! Zucchini is a type of summer squash that has a mild flavor and a tender texture. It’s also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Plus, it adds a delicious crunch to any recipe!

To prepare the zucchini for this dish, you’ll need to spiralize it into thin noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler. You can also slice it thinly with a knife if you don’t have either tool.

Once your zucchini noodles are ready, you can cook them quickly by sautéing them in olive oil until they’re just tender.

In addition to its nutritional benefits and ease of preparation, zucchini is incredibly versatile when it comes to cooking. You can use it as a low-carb substitute for pasta in dishes like spaghetti bolognese or lasagna, add it to salads for some extra crunch, or even bake it up into tasty muffins or breads.

With so many possibilities, zucchini is definitely one ingredient you’ll want to keep on hand in your kitchen!

Step 1: Sautéing Garlic And Onion

To start cooking the birds eye lentil zucchini pasta, begin by sautéing garlic and onion. This will add depth of flavor to your dish and create a delicious foundation for the rest of the ingredients.

Begin by heating up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Once heated, add in minced garlic and diced onion.

Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

This step should only take a few minutes but be sure not to burn either ingredient as it can easily happen if left unattended.

Once done, you’re ready to move onto adding sliced zucchini which will bring even more texture and nutrition to this tasty meal.

Step 2: Adding Sliced Zucchini

As you add the sliced zucchini to the dish, it’s like watching a beautiful sunset over the ocean. The vibrant green color of the zucchini pops against the earthy tones of the lentil pasta. You can practically taste the freshness just by looking at it.

Next, sprinkle some salt and pepper on top for added flavor. But don’t stop there! Here are three additional ingredients that will take this dish to another level:

Crushed red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch.
A drizzle of olive oil to bring all the flavors together.

After adding these ingredients, give everything a good stir and let it cook for a few more minutes until the zucchini is tender but still has a slight crunch.

Step 3: Incorporating Diced Tomatoes

Firstly, once the zucchini pasta has been cooked according to package instructions, it’s time to incorporate diced tomatoes into the dish.

Begin by heating up a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add one small diced onion and cook until translucent.

Next, add two cloves of minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in one can of diced tomatoes (14 oz.), along with any additional seasonings such as salt, pepper, or Italian herbs.

Stir everything together and let it simmer for about five minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. After that, add in your cooked zucchini pasta and toss everything together until well combined.

The lentils will be added later on so don’t worry if you don’t see them yet! Make sure all the noodles are coated evenly with the tomato sauce before moving onto the next step – mixing in cooked lentils.

Step 4: Mixing In Cooked Lentils

First, let’s sauté the lentils in a pan until they’re lightly browned.
Then, add the zucchini and let the veggies cook until they’re softened.

Finally, stir-fry the pasta in the pan until it’s hot and everything is combined.
We don’t want to overcook the ingredients, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
All of the components should be cooked through, but still retain their texture.

Once that’s done, we can serve up a delicious dish of lentil zucchini pasta!

Sautéing The Lentils

Sautéing the lentils is a crucial step in this recipe as it adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

To start, heat up some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the drained and rinsed lentils along with some garlic and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

Next, season the lentils with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices such as cumin or paprika. This will help enhance the flavors even further. Continue sautéing for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

By sautéing the lentils before mixing them into the pasta dish, you’ll end up with a more flavorful and delicious meal overall.

Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate protein-rich legumes into your diet while also enjoying all of the wonderful textures and flavors that come from zucchini noodles and fresh herbs.

So be sure not to skip this important step!

Adding The Zucchini

Now that the lentils are sautéed to perfection, it’s time to add in the zucchini.

To do so, simply spiralize your zucchini into thin noodles using a vegetable spiralizer or a julienne peeler.

Once you have your zucchini noodles ready, add them to the skillet with the cooked lentils and toss everything together until well combined.

Keep stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is slightly softened but still has some bite to it.

At this point, you can also add in any fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for an extra pop of flavor.

Mix everything together one last time before serving hot and enjoying a delicious and nutritious meal!

Stir-Frying The Pasta

Now that the lentils and zucchini are perfectly cooked and combined, it’s time to move on to stir-frying the pasta.

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook your favorite type of pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well before adding it directly into the skillet with the lentil and zucchini mixture.

Stir everything together over medium-high heat for another 2-3 minutes, making sure that all ingredients are fully coated in sauce.

Continue stirring until the pasta is heated through and has absorbed some of the flavors from the other ingredients.

This step will create a complete meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Serve hot with grated parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 5: Seasoning Your Pasta

To truly elevate the flavor of your birds eye lentil zucchini pasta, seasoning is key. Don’t be afraid to get creative with spices and herbs – this is where you can really make the dish your own.

Start by adding a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then consider incorporating some garlic powder or red pepper flakes for a little kick. Another great way to add depth of flavor is through the use of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley. Chop up a handful and mix it into the pasta before serving. You’ll love how much brighter and more vibrant your dish becomes!

And if you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different spice blends from around the world for an exotic twist on traditional pasta dishes. Remember that when it comes to seasoning, less is often more. Taste as you go along and adjust accordingly until you find the perfect balance of flavors.

Once you’ve seasoned to perfection, it’s time to move onto combining your lentil zucchini mixture with cooked spaghetti – but we’ll save that step for later in this recipe!

Step 6: Combining Your Lentil Zucchini Mixture With Cooked Spaghetti

After seasoning your pasta, it’s time to move on to the next step. Combining your lentil zucchini mixture with cooked spaghetti can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple.

First, drain your spaghetti and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

Next, add your lentil zucchini mixture to the bowl with the spaghetti. Use tongs or a fork to gently mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. You’ll notice that the vibrant colors of the zucchini and lentils really pop against the neutral background of the spaghetti.

Tips For Serving And Storing Your Birds Eye Lentil Zucchini Pasta

A dish as delicious and nutritious as Birds Eye Lentil Zucchini Pasta deserves to be served and stored with care. To ensure that every serving is fresh and enjoyable, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Firstly, make sure to serve the pasta hot after cooking it according to package instructions. A warm bowl of zesty tomato sauce blended with lentils and perfectly cooked zucchini spirals is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley on top for extra flavor.

When storing leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator promptly. The pasta will stay fresh for up to three days if kept away from moisture and heat sources.

For longer storage, you may freeze the pasta in freezer-safe bags for up to two months without losing its texture or taste.

Enjoying Birds Eye Lentil Zucchini Pasta doesn’t have to be complicated! With these simple serving and storage tips, you’ll get the most out of this wholesome meal any time of day. So go ahead – cook up a batch today and savor all the goodness in each bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Alternative Ingredients That Can Be Used In Place Of Lentils In This Recipe?

If you’re looking for alternative ingredients to use in place of lentils, there are several options depending on the dish you’re making.

For soups or stews, beans such as chickpeas or black beans can be used instead.

If you’re making a salad, quinoa or couscous can be substituted for lentils.

For pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, ground beef or turkey would work well.

It all depends on what flavors and textures you want to achieve in your recipe.

Can This Dish Be Made Gluten-Free By Using A Different Type Of Pasta?

Yes, this dish can definitely be made gluten-free by using a different type of pasta.

There are many options available in most grocery stores such as rice noodles or quinoa noodles that would work well.

It’s important to make sure the pasta is specifically labeled gluten-free and not just ‘wheat-free’ as some other grains may still contain gluten.

Making this swap will allow those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease to enjoy this delicious meal without worry.

How Long Does It Take To Cook The Lentils For This Recipe?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to cook lentils for a dish, the answer depends on what type of lentil you are using.

For example, red lentils cook much faster than green or brown lentils.

A hypothetical scenario could be cooking green lentils for a salad that requires them to still have some firmness and texture, which would take around 20-25 minutes of simmering.

It’s important to check on the lentils occasionally while they cook and add more water if needed so that they don’t dry out.

Overall, make sure to follow the instructions provided with your specific recipe and adjust cooking times accordingly based on personal preference.

Can This Dish Be Made Vegan By Omitting Any Of The Ingredients?

Yes, this dish can easily be made vegan by omitting certain ingredients.

For example, if the recipe calls for meat or dairy products, simply leave them out and substitute with plant-based alternatives such as tofu or soy milk.

It’s important to read the ingredient list carefully and check for any animal-derived ingredients like honey or gelatin.

By making a few simple swaps, you can create a delicious and nutritious vegan meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds!

What Are Some Recommended Side Dishes That Pair Well With This Lentil Zucchini Pasta?

Looking for the perfect side dish to accompany your meal? Look no further! We’ve got some unbelievable options that will leave you in a state of bliss.

From crispy roasted vegetables to creamy avocado salads, these sides are sure to make your taste buds dance with joy. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try adding our secret ingredient – it’s guaranteed to take your meal from good to mind-blowing!

So whether you’re vegan or not, get ready to indulge in an epic feast unlike any other.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Birds Eye Lentil Zucchini Pasta is an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal. However, if lentils are not your thing, there are plenty of alternative ingredients that can be used in their place.

And for gluten-free eaters, substituting the pasta with a different type will work wonders. Cooking the lentils doesn’t take too long either, so you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.

Plus, it’s easy to make this dish vegan by simply omitting any non-vegan ingredients. As for side dishes, try pairing it with some roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

All in all, this recipe is a must-try!