Description

Creamy, cozy, and packed with sun-dried tomato flavor, these Irresistible Creamy Marry Me Lentils are an easy dinner, healthy comfort food idea, and satisfying vegetarian meal made in one pot. Tender lentils simmer with garlic, tomato paste, broth, cream, Parmesan, herbs, and spinach for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes rich, savory, and restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

3 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh spinach

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons fresh basil or oregano, chopped

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.

2. Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

4. Add rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

5. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.

6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

7. Fold in spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.

8. Add lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.

9. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano and serve warm with bread, rice, or salad.

Notes

Use green or brown lentils for the best texture because they hold their shape better than red lentils.

Add broth as needed while simmering so the lentils stay saucy and do not dry out before they become tender.

Stir the Parmesan in over low heat so the sauce melts smoothly and stays creamy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-inspired Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 385
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 13g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 42mg

Keywords: creamy marry me lentils, easy dinner, healthy comfort food, vegetarian dinner, one pot lentils, quick weeknight dinner, food ideas