Name: Easy Lentil Noodle Soup (One Pot, 30 Minutes)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin); 1 large onion, chopped; 1 stalk celery, chopped; 1 carrot, chopped or sliced; 2 cloves garlic, grated; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons turmeric; 1 teaspoon cumin; 5 cups vegetable broth; 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz / 400 g); 2 cans lentils (15 oz / 400 g each, rinsed); 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Red pepper flakes, to taste; 4 ounces short pasta (such as ditalini, small shells, broken angel hair, or elbow); 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 1 lemon

Why You’ll Love Easy Lentil Noodle Soup Recipe

This soup is quick, budget-friendly, and made with pantry staples. The lentils add protein and heartiness, while turmeric and cumin bring warm, rich flavor. Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup simple and easy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
1 large onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped or sliced
2 cloves garlic, grated
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons turmeric
1 teaspoon cumin
5 cups vegetable broth
1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz / 400 g)
2 cans lentils (15 oz / 400 g each, rinsed)
¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Red pepper flakes, to taste
4 ounces short pasta such as ditalini, small shells, broken angel hair, or elbow pasta
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 lemon

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Stir in the grated garlic, tomato paste, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. If needed, add a splash of water to keep the mixture from sticking.

Pour in the vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, and rinsed lentils. Add the salt and black pepper.

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir in the pasta and cook until tender, about 8 to 12 minutes depending on the type of pasta used.

If the soup becomes too thick, stir in a little extra hot water or broth.

Turn off the heat and serve with fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use spinach or kale for extra greens.

Swap the pasta for rice or orzo for a different texture.

Add cooked shredded chicken for additional protein.

Use red lentils instead of canned lentils, but allow extra cooking time.

For a creamier soup, stir in a spoonful of coconut milk before serving.

Add extra vegetables like zucchini or potatoes for a heartier version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The pasta may absorb liquid as the soup sits, so add a little broth or water when reheating.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through.

This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the pasta may soften slightly after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use dry lentils instead of canned lentils?

Yes, but they will need additional cooking time and more liquid.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbows, or small shells work very well.

Is this soup vegan?

Yes, as long as the vegetable broth used is vegan-friendly.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta.

Why is my soup too thick?

The pasta absorbs liquid as it cooks. Add more broth or hot water to thin it out.

Can I freeze lentil noodle soup?

Yes, though the noodles may become softer after freezing and reheating.

What can I serve with this soup?

It pairs well with crusty bread, salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Can I add more spice?

Absolutely. Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta just until tender and avoid overcooking during reheating.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

Conclusion

Easy Lentil Noodle Soup is a simple and satisfying one-pot recipe filled with wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. With hearty lentils, tender pasta, and warming spices, it’s an easy meal that comes together quickly and tastes even better the next day.