Creamy Marry Me Lentils Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where hearty plant-based meals steal the show. These Creamy Marry Me Lentils simmer tender lentils in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce with garlic and Italian herbs, creating an irresistibly comforting dish. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, date nights, or meal prep that reheats beautifully.

Vegan-adaptable, high-protein, and ready in one pot under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with pantry staples.

Why This Recipe Works

• Sun-dried tomatoes and garlic create deep, savory umami base
• Cream (or coconut milk) transforms simple lentils into luxurious sauce
• Italian herbs and fennel add authentic Tuscan-inspired complexity
• One-pot method builds layered flavors while keeping cleanup minimal
• Naturally gluten-free and protein-packed for satisfying meals

Ingredients & Prep

• 1 cup dried green or black lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds (crushed)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan (or vegan alternative)
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rinse lentils and cook separately until tender (or use canned, drained).
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika; cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes; cook 1-2 minutes.
5. Add cooked lentils and vegetable broth. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened.
6. Stir in cream and Parmesan over low heat until melted and creamy.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Serve warm with bread or rice.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezes well for 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils? Yes, they cook faster but may make sauce thicker.
Dairy-free version? Swap cream for coconut milk and use vegan Parmesan.
Instant Pot method? Sauté aromatics, add all ingredients, pressure cook 9 minutes.

Conclusion

These Creamy Marry Me Lentils deliver swoon-worthy comfort in every creamy, garlicky bite. A versatile dish that wins hearts and fills bellies. Discover more nourishing mains at dishfoody.com.

Creamy Marry Me Lentils Recipe

Print Recipe

Viral Creamy Marry Me Lentils simmered in rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce with garlic, fennel, and Parmesan. The vegetarian ‘Marry Me Chicken’ everyone is obsessed with – perfect over rice or bread.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner, Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup dry green or black lentils (2.5 cups cooked)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or sundried tomato oil
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• 1. Cook lentils until tender (Instant Pot: 9 min high pressure + 10 min natural release, or stovetop simmer 20 min). Drain.
• 2. Heat oil in large pan over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, and paprika until fragrant.
• 3. Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes; cook 2 minutes.
• 4. Stir in cooked lentils and vegetable stock. Simmer covered 10 minutes, then uncover last 2-3 minutes to thicken.
• 5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and basil until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
• 6. Let sit covered 5 minutes to thicken. Serve with lemon wedges, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

• Use oil from sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor.
• Substitute coconut cream for dairy-free version.
• Black lentils hold shape best.
• Perfect meal prep – freezes well up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: marry me lentils, creamy lentils, sun dried tomato lentils, viral lentil recipe