Looking for a meal that's both delicious and easy to prepare? This One Pot Lentil Pasta is just what you need! A hearty dish made with gluten-free lentil pasta, fresh herbs, garlic, and tomatoes, all cooked together in a single pot. It's vegan, nutritious, and ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a wholesome, plant-based meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One Pot Lentil Pasta is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor and nutrients. The lentil pasta provides a good source of protein and fiber, while the tomatoes and herbs give the dish a rich, savory taste. It's a one-pot wonder, so cleanup is a breeze! Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a light and healthy meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite herbs or veggies.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces lentil pasta
- 3 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 5 cloves garlic, minced or roughly chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- ½ medium-sized onion (sweet or any variety), diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Handful of fresh basil, chopped (or fresh parsley, or both)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine all ingredients except the fresh basil. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 13-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to the bite. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Once done, remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to allow the pasta to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Different Pasta: You can swap the lentil pasta for any gluten-free pasta of your choice, or even regular pasta if you're not following a gluten-free diet.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili to the dish while cooking.
- More Herbs: You can experiment with other herbs like rosemary, sage, or a bit of fresh thyme for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a pot over low heat with a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular pasta instead of lentil pasta?
Yes, you can swap the lentil pasta for regular pasta if you're not gluten-free. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it might vary.
2. Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas to make it heartier.
3. How do I make this recipe spicy?
For a spicy twist, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili to the pot while cooking.
4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can work, but you'll need to chop them up and cook them a little longer to break down and release their juices.
5. Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping! You can store the leftovers in the fridge for several days and easily reheat for a quick meal.
6. How can I make this dish more filling?
You can serve this with a side of roasted vegetables, a salad, or top it with vegan cheese or nuts for added texture and fullness.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should last for about 2-3 months.
8. Can I substitute the vegetable broth with something else?
You can use water or any kind of broth you prefer, but vegetable broth enhances the flavor.
9. Can I make this recipe without garlic?
If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it, though the flavor will be slightly different. Consider adding extra herbs or seasoning to compensate.
10. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, this dish is mild and can be a great option for kids. You can also modify the herbs to suit their tastes.
Conclusion
One Pot Lentil Pasta is a fantastic, easy meal that delivers both comfort and nutrition. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s the ideal recipe for a busy weeknight. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and savory flavors, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy. Customize it with your favorite herbs or veggies and make it your own. Enjoy this simple, wholesome meal in no time!
One Pot Lentil Pasta: A Quick and Nutritious Meal
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Looking for an easy, healthy, and delicious meal? This One Pot Lentil Pasta is a gluten-free, vegan dish packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and rich flavors. With fresh garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, it’s a quick, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces lentil pasta
- 3 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 5 cloves garlic, minced or roughly chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- ½ medium-sized onion (sweet or any variety), diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Handful of fresh basil, chopped (or fresh parsley, or both)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Instructions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine all ingredients except the fresh basil. Stir thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 13-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to allow the pasta to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- Add Veggies: Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition.
- Swap Pasta: Any gluten-free or regular pasta can be used instead of lentil pasta.
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or fresh chili for heat.
- Storage: Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
