Prepare the vegetables by finely chopping the carrot, celery, and onion.
Smash the garlic cloves.
Add the chopped vegetables, smashed garlic, dried chili, and bay leaves to a pot.
Add the lentils and water, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
Stir in the passata and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Serve the lentil mixture with the cooked pasta.
