A simple and fresh pasta recipe for a light, gluten-free, and vegan meal. Red Lentil Spaghetti with Grilled Patty Pan Squash, tossed with diced tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spices. An easy dinner that will leave you feeling healthy and nourished with a dose of hidden protein!
I did make it a few times to a super small farmer's market this summer. It became my mid-morning Sunday tradition to head into town, grab some coffee, and take a stroll over to the market. There were maybe 7 stands and only 2 of them had some fresh produce. After strolling around this little market a few times, I knew I had to at least buy one thing the next time I went (**reminder to bring some cash!**). They week I decided to buy (I'd wanted to get some garlic scapes, but they didn't have any!), they had mounds and mound of zucchini, summer squashes, and patty pan.
Obviously, the patty pan squash caught my eye with its cute fat roundness (they were just begging me to buy them!). I had the intention of just buying one, only $.75! When I went over to pay for my one cute squash, the man told me to take a few more, they had too many. Did I have to pay? No! That's all this super frugal girl needed to hear! Now loaded up on fresh farmer's market patty pan and summer squash, IΒ had the burden of the overabundance problem to deal with. Not too much of a burden for a recipe developer, eh?
I've been really into pasta dishes this summer and with all the fresh produce around, combing the two always leads to a lovely light meal. I also happened to have this lovely box of the new red lentil spaghetti from Explore Cuisine that I just had to try out! You know I love my legume-based pasta! This spaghetti taste like "the real deal" (i.e. non-gluten-free pasta!) It looked like normal pasta too (once cooked!). I'm totally a fan and totally suggest you try some yourself! It's 73% red lentil flour and 27% brown rice flour, so not totally grain free, but super delicious!
Β 
The patty pan squash comes in to make this spaghetti not only high in protein, but light, fresh, and summery! I cut the patty pan into strips and lightly grilled them in my grill pan for just a few minutes to soften. Then I just threw the squash, some diced tomatoes, fresh parsley, and some spices into the cooked spaghetti and the meal was complete! I love keeping pasta dishes super simple so you can taste all the fresh ingredientsΒ without being muddled or hidden by a heavy sauce. According to the Italians, pasta was meant to be fresh and simple. They're all about the "less is more" vibe when it comes to cooking. Fresh is best and simple is...delicious!
Red Lentil Spaghetti with Grilled Patty Pan Squash
Red Lentil Spaghetti with Grilled Patty Pan Squash
A simple and fresh pasta recipe for a light, gluten-free, and vegan meal. Red Lentil Spaghetti with Grilled Patty Pan Squash, tossed with diced tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spices. An easy dinner that will leave you feeling healthy and nourished with a dose of hidden protein!
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) Box of Explore Cuisine Red Lentil Spaghetti
- 1 Medium Patty Pan Squash (cut into strips)
- 1 Β½ Cups Diced Tomatoes
- ΒΌ Cup Fresh Chopped Parsley
- 1 Tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- Β½ Tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil the spaghetti according to box directions (about 8-10 minutes), drain, rinse, and add the spaghetti back to the pot.
- Meanwhile, on a greased non-stick grill pan, lightly grill the patty pan squash strip for about 5 minutes, flip them halfway through.
- Add the grilled squash, diced tomatoes, parsley, and spices to the cooked spaghetti. Toss the pasta and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Β 
See how delicious light and simple can be? I think this would make a lovely meal to serve up the last of your fresh summer produce, you agree? And come on, who ever says no to pasta? It's like saying no to pancakes (okay, maybe a bit less tragic!) Now, let's get cooking! Happy simple eating!
So tell me:
+ What's your favorite thing to pick-up at the farmer's market? I'm still crying that I never got my hands on garlic scapes!
+ What's your go-to simple pasta dish?
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Deborah Davis
I love eating gluten free pasta dishes like this delectable Red Lentil Spaghetti With Grilled Patty Pan Squash!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This option is a winner
Chavonne H
I want to try the Red Lentil Spaghetti, sounds so healthy and refreshing. I like to buy bananas and nuts at the farmer's market. My favorite simple pasta dish is thin spaghetti with ground turkey and extra garlic.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, wow, I wish I had nuts at my market :O
Charlene Asay
I have never had lentil pasta but I will have to try it. Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is a fun pasta to keep in rotation!
Miz Helen
Your Red Lentil Spaghetti looks awesome!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Hauke Fox
OH MY GAWWD!! Red Lentil Spaghetti is exactly what I need! Let me see, if it's purchasable and affordable in Germany. Thanks Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I believe it is sold in Europe too!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner
The lentil pastas are pretty good! This looks easy and delish!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Elle @ Only Taste Matters
I've never heard of red lentil spaghetti but now I can't wait to try it. You always introduce me to such amazing, new things!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Get some!!
kimmythevegan
What a pretty summer dish! I've totally been loving all of the fresh produce. I can't believe how sad sounding your market is π I live a block from a farmer's market and I think there are only 2 vendors that *don't* sell fruits & veggies. Damn.
I have spied some patty pan squash at the market, but I wasn't quite sure what to do with it. And I have some lovely lentil pasta in the cupboard. BOOM! =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Load up on the patty pan!
Leah Goldglantz
This looks SOO YUMMY! Definitely going to make it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is so good!! Thank you Leah!
Farrah
I've never tried red lentil spaghetti but this looks super good! π I love all the colors!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's so good!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy
This is my FAVORITE brand of pasta hands down right now. Love their spaghetti and red lentil one especially!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The flavor and texture is so spot on!
Manju | Cooking Curries
I love patty pan squash. Waiting for them to show up at the markets. I bought some red lentil pasta - penne, last week from our neighborhood organic store. Can't wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
But this is patty pan season :O
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
I absolutely love lentil pasta and this is such a lovely summery way to use it! It's amazing how much that pasta looks like traditional semolina, too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right? Haha! My mom was second guessing me π
Gluten Free With Emily
I love how easy this is! It also looks delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Julianna
Oh, this sounds so lovely! I just recently found patty pan squash in my local market and was so excited! I have tried a few recipes, but I would love to try yours. π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Never too many ways to use the squash!
Megan
I've never tried a patty pan squash...I need to expand my squash horizons!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Seems so!
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners
Love a healthy pasta and I've pinned and shared this everywhere, Rebecca. Your clicks are gorgeous, girl! Love this delicious healthiness π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you sweetheart!
Joyce @ The Hungry Caterpillar
I haven't gotten to the farmers' market much this summer either, since I've been working at a YMCA up in the Colorado Rockies. Now that I'm home, though, I'm super-excited to go to the market this Saturday. I love tomato season. This recipe does look super-fresh and simple--if I can find a patty-pan squash, I'll grab one and give it a try π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Fantastic!! Well I hope you gather some goodies at the market!
Becca @ The Earthling's Handbook
Sounds delicious! I haven't tried lentil pasta, but I often just cook some red lentils with seasonings and either mix in grilled veggies, much like what you've done here, or just throw the veggies in the pot when the lentils are about half cooked. It's an easy, versatile, and cheap meal.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Red lentils are so delicious! They have that distinct flavor and smell!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition
This looks delicious! Iβm Pinning and sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Mel |avirtualvegan.com
Patty pans are so delicious and not to mention cute! I love the idea of them tossed through this red lentil pasta. Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know, right? They just sit there BEGGING you to buy them π
Demeter | Beaming Baker
I'm glad you got a chance to visit a farmer's market a few times this summer! π And, like you reminded us in an earlier post, it's still not over yet! π I hope you get the chance to return at least a few more times. π Patty pan squash are so cute!! Meanwhile, love the combo of lentil, plant-based spaghetti and squash in this recipe. Hand me a bowl, or two, woulda ya? Have a great weekend, Rebecca! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, you too my friend! I'll have to try to stop at the market this weekend (the last I'll be able to!)
keeley mcguire
I can't wait to share this recipe with my Vegan dad π he'll love it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope so!
Kelly
I've never tried red lentil spaghetti, but I have been curious about it. Your recipe looks like the perfect inspiration to finally give it a whirl!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It has the best flavor!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
I have been experimenting with gluten free pastas. They have come a long way from when they were first available. Unless I really want egg pasta...we often use gluten free.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well you only "need" to use GF if you have celiac disease.
Courtney
You can't go wrong with a simple and delicious pasta dish-- I love the squash in this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No you can't!!
Laura
Sqyash and lentils together in one. This is like my dream dish. Definitely two of my favourite things . . .
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
All the goodness of plants!
neil@neilshealthymeals.com
Had to google pattypan squash there, sorry! Never heard of it, and never seen it before (and in all the countries I've visited too). I'm enlightened again! Love how I learn so much off your blog Rebecca. Thanks. π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, we'll have to ship you some, Neil!
Laura | Wandercooks
Oh yum I'm totally keen to try this lentil pasta, what an awesome idea. Love your recipe too, it sounds irresistible with the squash and cherry tomatoes (my favvvvs!). Can't wait to try. π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!!! It is one light delightful way to get your pasta fill!
Donna
Oh gosh, I have the total opposite experience at the farmers market every weekend - we leave with so much stuff every week we are totally overloaded π This sounds like the perfect way to use up some cute little patty pans π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I wish that was my problem! Haha! Usually I walk away with nothing π
jules
I love bean and lentil pastas - fooling the kids into healthy carbs!
~jules
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, right! A little extra plant protein power!
amanda -runtothefinish
super fun!! I have done b lack bean noodles, but not red lentil and I love the flavor that they impart!! Gotta check this out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's a fantastic pasta!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot
Yum ive been wanting to try these noodles! I love to pick up zucchini and corn!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Those are always in abundance!
The vegan 8
This is gorgeous. I have some red lentil pasta in my pantry as we speak! You've inspired me to get in there and use it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah yea! Go for it! One of my new favorite pastas!
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan
Rebecca, i LOVE to get fresh baked goodies at the farmers market - shame on me right? I should be looking at the fresh produce more!
I've never heard of Explore Cuisine Red Lentil Spaghetti - am thinking I so gotta get my hands on this as my daughter would love to try it - am not a pasta person, but her favorite way to eat pasta is with an avocado pesto sauce!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahaha π
I bet she will love this "amped up" alternative!
CookStyle
The spaghetti looks delicious, so colorful. Red Lentil Spaghetti sound interesting, it's something new for me.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You would love it!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
The farmers market Dave and I visited this past weekend sounds a lot like this one. The veggie selection was small, I was so surprised! But it's nice to get out and meet people in the community! This dish - delish! Love how simple and I agree don't make it so much about the sauce. Keep it light!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
We have to let those gems of fresh produce really shine!
The Food Hunter
I love fresh pasta dishes like this one.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So easy and simple!
srividhya
I haven't tried red lentil spaghetti yet. This looks great. amazing clicks
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This is the dish to try it with!
Cricket Plunkett
I haven't tried red lentil spaghetti yet, I was worried what it would look like. But I think the gluten eaters in my house wouldn't think twice about eating that. Looks great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
My brother loved it too and he is NOT GF! Haha!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
Oh my gosh, I love the idea of red lentil pasta - never heard of this brand before which was clearly my loss.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you can get your hands on some!
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands
This looks fresh and delicious! All the veggies and pasta makes for a happy family in this house!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You know it!
Becky Striepe
Ooh yum! I love pattypan squash. It's the best summer squash, for sure!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's such a fun one!
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
I've never tried lentil spaghetti! This dish looks amazing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is delicious!
Kenzie
YUMMY! This looks so good and simple - can't wait to try it out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Michelle Blackwood
I love red lentil spaghetti, thanks for your recipe. I will have to get some patty pan from the farmers market!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy it, Michelle!
Emily @ My Healthyish Life
I had to Google "patty pan" to remind myself what it looked like. But yes, I've had it! I wish we had good farmer's markets here. Most are just artisan markets with gluten-filled bread haha. I have to drive far for the good ones.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha π
This one is super duper tiny...barely a "market". I always lament the fact that even living in the rural area I do, we have no good farmer's markets!
Nico @ Yumsome
Gorgeous pics (as ever!) - this looks so deelish!
Patty pan is great, isn't it? I was taught how to grill it by an old man here in Belgrade (with loads of garlic and butter - in my case, vegan butter)! You're absolutely right, it really is so fresh and light. I love it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!!!
Haha, I love patty pan!! It grilled up so quickly (a little too quickly!)
Laila
How simple! Going to the farmers market is such a great experience. You find things that are better, local, and cheaper! And you're helping your local farmer. Looks delicious π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, not always cheaper! But this one stand, that was the case!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
$.75?! Heck yeah I'd try that too! I love sampling new produce I've never had before. And I like cheap produce. So this is a win/win! I have tried a bean pasta in the past (I think it was black bean) and it was really mushy cooked. I think I need to get this lentil spaghetti a shot!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Cheap is what I go for π
I was so blown away by the spaghetti! My mom literally thought I had cooked with gluten-filled wheat pasta π