If you’re craving a rich and cozy weeknight dinner, Marry Me Creamy Lentils delivers deep savory flavor with silky creaminess thanks to sun‑dried tomato oil, fragrant basil, and Parmesan. This creamy lentils recipe is comfort food that feels indulgent yet hearty, perfect for cozy evenings or feeding a crowd.
I have a very picky family, and they devoured this dish. And what’s great about it, is lentils are cheap and there’s no meat in this, yet it’s chock full of protein.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Marry Me Creamy Lentils
- Oil from a jar of sun‑dried tomatoes
- Lentils (any dry) or 2 cans lentils, drained
- Red onion
- Minced Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Tomato paste
- Julienned sun‑dried tomatoes
- Vegetable stock
- Heavy (double) cream
- Parmesan, pecorino, or Italian hard cheese
- Basil
How to Make Marry Me Creamy Lentils
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil from your jar of sun‑dried tomatoes in a skillet to infuse your base with flavor.
Add finely diced red onion and sauté until translucent and tender in that fragrant oil.
Toss in crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, stirring to coat the aromatics.
If the skillet looks dry, add a little more sun‑dried tomato oil so everything melds without burning.
Stir in chopped sun‑dried tomatoes and pour in vegetable stock to start building the sauce.
As the mixture begins to thicken, pour in heavy cream and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or your chosen hard cheese.
Finally, stir in chopped basil for brightness and let the creamy sauce come together.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side, squeezing fresh lemon over the dish for a pop of acidity.
Tips & Suggestions
- Adjust the creaminess — add more or less cream depending on your preference for richness.
- Make it dairy‑free: swap heavy cream for coconut cream and omit cheese, adding a nutritional yeast for umami.
- Meal prep: this reheats beautifully — store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Texture play: stir in a handful of spinach at the end for extra color and nutrients.
FAQ
Can I use canned lentils instead of dry?
Yes! If using canned lentils, use 2 cans, drain and rinse them first. You’ll want to reduce the cooking time slightly since they’re already cooked.
Is this vegetarian or can it be vegan?
This recipe is vegetarian. To make it vegan, use plant‑based cream and vegan Parmesan, and ensure your stock is vegetable based.
What can I serve with Marry Me Creamy Lentils?
This pairs well with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad — the creamy lentils are rich, so something light alongside balances the meal.
Marry Me Creamy Parmesan and Sun Dried Tomatoes Lentils
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of oil from a jar of sundried tomatoes, for cooking
- 1 cup dry lentils, any kind or 2 cans drained and rinsed lentils
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 oz julienned dried tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 bunch basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil from your jar of sun‑dried tomatoes in a skillet to infuse your base with flavor.
- Add finely diced red onion and sauté until translucent and tender in that oil.
- Toss in crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, stirring to coat the aromatics.
- If the skillet looks dry, add a little more sun‑dried tomato oil so everything melds without burning.
- Stir in sun‑dried tomatoes and pour in vegetable stock to start building the sauce.
- As the mixture begins to thicken, pour in heavy cream and sprinkle grated Parmesan.
- Finally, stir in chopped basil and let the creamy sauce come together.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 284Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 849mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 14g
Any nutritional information on thetiptoefairy.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate.
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