Can I use dried lentils?

Yes; add the stock first and simmer the lentils 1-1.25 hours until tender, then add the pasta for the last 12-15 minutes.

What pasta works best?

A small shape such as baby shells or broken spaghetti suits this soup.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes; omit the bacon and use vegetable stock.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate up to 4 days; loosen with stock when reheating as the pasta absorbs liquid.

Can I use other herbs?

Mint is traditional here, but parsley also works.

Brown Lentil and Pasta Soup

Name: Brown Lentil and Pasta Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 slices rindless bacon (cut into small squares); 1 onion (chopped); 2 stalks celery (chopped); 1/2 cup baby shells (broken into small pieces); 1 1/2 cups brown lentils (cooked or canned); 5 cups hot ham or vegetable stock; 2 tbsp fresh mint (chopped)

A quick, comforting soup of brown lentils and small pasta with bacon, onion and celery, finished with fresh mint.

Yield Serves 4

Total Time 30 minutes

Main Ingredients Lentils

Category Pasta, Soups & Rice

Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 20 minutes

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Brown Lentil and Pasta Soup — prepared dish

What Is Brown Lentil and Pasta Soup?

A fast, satisfying Italian soup pairing earthy brown lentils with small pasta, simmered with bacon and aromatics and brightened with fresh mint.

Why Make Brown Lentil and Pasta Soup?

A quick, hearty weeknight soup
Lentils and pasta make it filling and economical
Fresh mint adds a bright lift
Pantry-friendly with canned lentils
Ready in about 30 minutes

Unico Products Used in This Recipe

Brown Lentil and Pasta Soup — Shopping List (4 servings)

Ingredients

4 slices rindless bacon (cut into small squares)
1 onion (chopped)
2 stalks celery (chopped)
1/2 cup baby shells (broken into small pieces)
1 1/2 cups brown lentils (cooked or canned)
5 cups hot ham or vegetable stock
2 tbsp fresh mint (chopped)

Adjust servings 4

Instructions

Dry-fry the bacon with the onion, garlic and celery 4-5 minutes, until the onion is tender and the bacon begins to brown.
Add the pasta and cook, stirring, about 1 minute to coat.
Add the lentils and stock and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer 12-15 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
Turn off the heat, then stir in the fresh mint and serve immediately.

Cooking Tips

Use canned lentils to keep it quick
Break the pasta small so it suits a soup
Don't skip the fresh mint — it lifts the whole bowl
Add stock if it thickens too much
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Lentil and Pasta Soup

1. Can I use dried lentils?

Yes; add the stock first and simmer the lentils 1-1.25 hours until tender, then add the pasta for the last 12-15 minutes.
2. What pasta works best?

A small shape such as baby shells or broken spaghetti suits this soup.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes; omit the bacon and use vegetable stock.
4. How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate up to 4 days; loosen with stock when reheating as the pasta absorbs liquid.
5. Can I use other herbs?

Mint is traditional here, but parsley also works.

Cooking Guides & Tips

How to Cook Dried Beans from Scratch How to soak and simmer dried beans for the best texture and flavour — plus a no-soak option for lentils.
High-Protein Vegetarian Cooking with Beans and Legumes How beans, chick peas and lentils deliver plant protein, and easy ways to build filling vegetarian meals around them.
How to Cook Pasta Perfectly Every Time