Marry Me Lentils

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This Marry Me Lentils recipe is a plant-based twist on the classic Marry Me Chicken, featuring tender lentils simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce. Packed with protein and fiber, this dish delivers a rich, comforting texture using lentils in place of chicken. We love sopping up the sauce with toasted whole-grain bread, but feel free to pair it with brown rice, quinoa or whole-wheat pasta instead.

an image of the Marry Me Lentils
Credit:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Active Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
4
  • This plant-based version of the classic Marry Me Chicken is a comforting meal that replaces chicken with lentils.
  • Lentils are rich in nutrients, including protein, fiber and iron that help you feel fuller for longer.
  • After about 15 minutes, the quick-cooking red lentils start to break down, which thickens the dish.

These Marry Me Lentils are a delicious plant-based spin on the popular Marry Me Chicken—minus the chicken but not short on flavor! We let protein- and fiber-rich lentils steal the spotlight by simmering them in a creamy sauce loaded with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and kale. We love mopping up every last drop of sauce with toasted whole-grain bread. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just showing yourself a little extra love, this dish will have you saying, “I do” with every bite. Ready to tie the knot? Read on for our best tips and tricks for making this swoon-worthy dish at home.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • Red lentils cook quickly. After about 15 minutes, they will begin to break down, which will help thicken the dish. The lentils will continue to thicken up as they cool, so you’ll want to take them off the heat while the sauce is still a little thin and some of the lentils are still whole.
  • Parmesan cheese is often made with animal rennet. If you’re following a vegetarian diet, look for cheese labeled “vegetarian.” 
  • Pre-chopped kale from a bag can help cut down on prep time. If you are chopping your own kale, red kale, curly kale or lacinato kale will all work well.

Nutrition Notes

  • Lentils are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber and iron. The combination of plant-based protein and fiber can help you feel full for longer, while iron is important for immune health and energy. Lentils have a low glycemic index, which means they can help promote stable blood sugar levels.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes are just tomatoes that have been dried out, so you get all the same benefits as the fresh version. Sun-dried tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce risk of heart disease and is the reason for tomatoes’ red color. They’re also a good source of vitamin A for skin and hair health. 
  • Kale is a good source of potassium, calcium and magnesium, three nutrients that can support healthy blood pressure. The dark leafy green also contains phytochemicals that may reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
an image of the ingredients to make the Marry Me Lentils

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomato jar

  • ½ cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes in oil with herbs, chopped

  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (1 cup

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 3 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped (1 Tbsp.)

  • 3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • teaspoons Italian seasoning

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed and picked over

  • 3 cups chopped stemmed kale

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 4 (1-ounce) slices crusty whole-wheat baguette, toasted

Directions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped onion, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes and ½ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 6 minutes.

    A frying pan with a mixture of cooked vegetables, including diced onions and tomatoes, on a marble surface

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

  2. Stir in chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and deep red in color, 1 to 2 minutes.

  3. Stir in rinsed lentils and 3 cups broth; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Stir in 3 cups kale; continue gently simmering, covered and stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, about 5 more minutes.

    Cook pours lentils from a bowl into a pot of broth on a stove

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

  4. Stir in ½ cup cream and 2 tablespoons basil; cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

    A skillet containing lentils with greens and cream being poured into it

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

  5. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in ¼ cup Parmesan, stirring until melted, about 1 minute.

  6. Garnish with additional basil, if desired. Serve with toasted baguette.

To make ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a splash of liquid to thin when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make these Marry Me Lentils vegan?

    Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast in place of the cheese.

  • Can I freeze this?

    Let the lentils cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

  • What other greens can I use?

    Spinach, chard, collard greens or arugula would all work well. If you are using a more tender green like spinach or arugula, add it to the pot 5 minutes later to prevent it from overcooking.

EatingWell.com, May 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

489 Calories
23g Fat
57g Carbs
19g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size about 1 cup
Calories 489
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 57g 21%
Dietary Fiber 9g 32%
Total Sugars 5g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 19g 38%
Total Fat 23g 29%
Saturated Fat 9g 46%
Cholesterol 39mg 13%
Vitamin A 503µg
Vitamin C 36mg 40%
Vitamin D 1µg
Vitamin E 3mg 17%
Folate 285µg
Vitamin K 108µg
Sodium 656mg 29%
Calcium 162mg 12%
Iron 5mg 26%
Magnesium 74mg 18%
Potassium 869mg 18%
Zinc 3mg 24%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Hilary Meyer
Hilary Meyer
Hilary Meyer is a recipe developer, tester, and content creator. After graduating from culinary school, she started working the EatingWell Test Kitchen in 2006, developing and testing recipes.
and
Alex Loh
Square Headshot of Alex Loh
Alex Loh is EatingWell's food editor. As part of the food team, she creates healthy, delicious recipes for the EatingWell audience. Alex also writes informative food and cooking articles that range from how to store ground beef to the best picks from Trader Joe's. Alex conducts product and taste tests to find the best options, from salad spinners to salsas.